*Mental health awareness for employers Presented by: Lisa Ellis lellis@acas.org.uk
Quiz How many people will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in their lives? a) 1 in 7 b) 1 in 5 c) 1 in 4 What is the estimated cost of mental ill health to UK employers each year? a) 2.5 billion b) 30 billion c) 45 billion How many days are lost each year to mental health problems? a) 4 million b) 45 million c) 91 million Nearly a third of all long term sickness absences are caused by a mental health problem TRUE or FALSE Sources: Department of Health and Centre for Mental Health
How do we view mental ill health?
How people view mental illness Stereotypes people are dangerous, violent Affected by media portrayal Tendency to make a judgement about the person s personality Deters those impacted from asking for help Less understandable than visible illnesses
So we don t talk much about it Employees are reluctant to raise the subject Managers shy away
What is Mental Health? Mental health is a state of well being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her own community. (World Health Organisation)
What is Mental Ill Health? Mental ill health is on a wide spectrum, from the worries and grief we all experience as part of everyday life to the most bleak, suicidal depression or complete loss of touch with everyday reality.
The Mental Health Continuum maximum mental wellbeing no absolutes the continuum... Serious mental illness a person with a diagnosis of a serious illness but who copes well and has positive mental wellbeing a person with no illness or disorder and positive mental wellbeing No mental illness symptoms a person with a diagnosis of a serious mental health condition and who has poor wellbeing a person with no diagnosis but who has poor mental wellbeing minimal mental wellbeing (Adapted from Mental Health Promotion: Paradigms and Practice K Tudor 1996)
How would you currently recognise a member of staff who was suffering from mental ill health?
Spot the signs changes in behaviour irritability tiredness lateness emotional symptoms being tearful or angry saying things like I can t cope other staff concerns other staff avoiding this person physical symptoms headaches etc
Common mental health conditions Stress What is it? Fight or Flight Consequences of prolonged stress Subjective nature of stress Pressure Vs Stress
Common mental health conditions Anxiety Feelings of tension and fear prevent a person from carrying out everyday tasks The ability to think with clarity can be affected May suffer from panic attacks or phobias
Common mental health conditions Depression Can be mild, moderate or severe Symptoms include feelings of deep sadness that can last weeks, months, years Other symptoms are disturbed sleep, poor/increased appetite, reduced concentration, feelings of guilt/shame Feelings are serious enough to interfere with daily life Motivation can be affected Some people may experience suicidal thoughts
How can we recover? medication psychological therapies specialist services through good help and support at work
Keeping a watchful brief Sickness absence - agree to stay in touch What if they don t want further contact? Balancing the needs of the team and the needs of the employee team debrief may be important
Key points to managing mental health in the workplace Spot the signs and intervene early Manage performance closely Open up the lines of communication Respond to distress with empathy and reassurance Recognise when professional help is needed OH, EAP Keep in touch during absences Consider how you communicate with the team Make reasonable adjustments for return to work (Equality Act 2010)
In-company training Acas website www.acas.org.uk Early Conciliation Bespoke solutions E-learning Further support Acas helpline 0300 123 1100 Mediation Acas Model Workplace
Contact me directly Lisa Ellis lellis@acas.org.uk 0151 728 5656