Posted on: 4 October 2024
Hi everyone, my name is Sanna and I am the Service Administrator for the therapy arm of the West Yorkshire’s Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
The theme for this World Mental Health Day had struck out to me immensely, especially due to the nature of my job role and the service I work for.
Mental health is still often unspoken about due to the stigma and misunderstandings that blocks many to seek support. Working within the therapy arm, I have noticed how we prioritise in supporting staff members who work over the West Yorkshire district (NHS, voluntary, council, and ICB).
I believe I have a pivotal role to advocate and break the silence and offer support to individuals. This is highly important to me, as staff members are the core foundation to ensure duty of care is provided. However, it is vital to prioritise one's overall wellbeing as it can impact physical, social and emotional aspects of one's wellbeing.
I noticed how important this issue is with the influx of referrals the service receives due to workplace stress; and how pressure and stress is causing many employees to leave work or take sick leave alongside the contributions of anxiety and depression. Employers are now starting to recognise the commonality of these difficulties and how common this is amongst their employees, and I am pleased to see how many are being signposted on to the service to access support.
I find this significantly crucial as it allows me to have open discussions about mental health at work. I am then also able to build a culture of understanding and openness. Taking care of employees mental health not only allows to create a positive and supportive environment, but it creates a foundation to tackle just one of many issues staff members could be facing and raise awareness.
No day is the same for me at work. Some days are busier than others and sometimes things can affect me but I am lucky to say that I have supportive team members around me who are a breath of fresh air and always take time to look out for each other. I can then figure out what’s not working for me? What are my emotional triggers? How can I honour my feelings? Am I asking for help? Am I taking a break? Am I allowing myself to make mistakes to learn? Most importantly, to be patient with mental health.
If you work as staff or volunteer in the West Yorkshire health and care system and are struggling to cope at work, the West Yorkshire Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub are here to support you and find the extra help that is right for you.