Mental health – it’s a subject we don’t hear much about, at least not in the workplace. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. In fact, the lack of transparency and openness on mental health issues can result in employees suffering in silence, to the detriment of both their own wellbeing and business performance.
What is Mental Health?
The World Health Organisation defines mental health as, “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
We tend to think of mental health in terms of illness, rather than wellness. Often, we envision psychotic behaviour or personality disorders when discussing mental health. But in truth, it is better described as a continuum that every individual sits on. Over time, depending on how life is going for us, we move up and down this sliding scale.
In a culture where mental health is discussed in hushed tones, overcoming the taboo is important. Mental illness can affect anyone, whether you are a male or female, young or old, without discrimination. And just like any physical condition, it doesn’t simply appear out of nowhere.
AIA Vitality examined the mental wellbeing of employees in Sri Lankan businesses, as part of its Healthiest Workplace Survey. Read on to find out what the results revealed.