World Mental Health Day 2017 Tackles Work Place Wellbeing

During our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work. Our experience in the workplace is one of the factors determining our overall wellbeing. Employers and managers who put in place workplace initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental disorders see gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity at work. A negative working environment, on the other hand, may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity. (WHO Website)

Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work, and to work productively. 

2016 World Mental Health Day Theme 'Psychological First Aid'

When terrible things happen in our communities, we can reach out a helping hand to those who are affected. Perhaps you find yourself at the scene of an accident where people are hurt. Perhaps you are a health-care worker or teacher talking with someone from your community who has just witnessed the violent death of a loved one. Perhaps you are called upon as a staff member in a disaster or volunteer to help asylum seekers who have recently arrived in your community. Learning the basic principles of psychological first aid will help you to provide support to people who are very distressed, and, importantly, to know what not to say.

The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, covers “psychological first aid”. Efforts in support of the day will focus on basic pragmatic psychological support by people who find themselves in a helping role whether they are health staff, teachers, firemen, community workers, or police officers.

 

'Safe Place' The First Women's Only Mental Health Support Group In Nigeria

Finally there is a Safe Place you can talk without fear and be heard without judgement. She Writes Woman presents the first mental health support group in Nigeria. With an increase in the suicide rate in Nigeria, untreated cases of mental disorders, coupled with high cost of Cognitive Behavioural Therary (CBT) and medications, support groups have proven to be a cheaper alternative for people living with mental disorders, and those caring for them.

Safe Place is a stigma-free environment where the above mentioned groups share ideas, information and tips for the benefit of the group. It promises to offer help and hope for warriors of mental health by drawing strength from the group, accountability partners, group exercises and much more. We believe that help is near and hope is real. We are a community in healing, holding each others hands on the road to recovery.

Need a Safe Place? Sign up here - Https://goo.gl/forms/E65tKx3jQf9xxg163