Mental health in the workplace begins with recognising high stress levels

RECENT studies indicate that South Africans are living with dangerously high levels of stress. A Bloomberg study this year ranked South Africa as the second-most stressed nation on the planet and a similar study conducted by Ipsos Global and Reuters found that 53 percent of SA’s working population is not taking annual leave, resulting in increased stress and eventual burnout.

High stress levels have been linked to depression and anxiety, and could lead to substance abuse. In severe cases these problems could lead to a person becoming suicidal. Work stress affects not only the employee, but also other people with whom the individual interacts, such as spouse and children.

Throughout the month of July, Cape Mental Health (CMH) will be raising awareness around mental health in the workplace.

Practical tips on reducing work stress and empowering employees to become valuable resources to colleagues in need of support form part of the campaign.

Sometimes it will seem obvious when someone you work with is going through a hard time, but there is no simple way of knowing if they have a mental health problem. And, in reality, it isn’t always necessary to know. It’s more important to respond sensitively to someone who seems troubled than to find out whether or not they have a diagnosis.

There are some basic guidelines to help you determine whether someone might be experiencing a mental health problem. But please remember – these are just general, practical guidelines and are in no way intended as official diagnoses. It is always advisable to speak to a professional for assistance. Depression: According to the World Health Organisation, “Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Globally, more than 350 million people suffer from depression.” People who are depressed may: Be tearful, nervous or irritable. Lose interest in their work and find it difficult to concentrate.

Feel overwhelmed and unable to deliver what is expected of them. Lose their appetite. Get tired easily. At worst, they feel suicidal. Anxiety People experiencing anxiety may seem unusually worried or fearful in most situations. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America they may: Appear pale and tense. Be easily startled by sounds. Have difficulty concentrating. Be irritable. Try to avoid certain situations. Anxiety can also manifest as panic attacks. Someone experiencing a panic attack may breathe rapidly, sweat profusely, feel very hot or cold or complain of chest pain.

The symptoms of a severe panic attack can be quite similar to a heart attack, and someone experiencing one may be convinced they are going to die. Substance abuse: In times of extreme stress, many people may turn to substances such as alcohol and drugs to help them cope. Substance abuse can exacerbate a mental illness. Signs of substance abuse:

Abrupt declines in attendance, quality and output of work. Irritability and paranoia. Decline in physical appearance. Unusual borrowing of money. Leave requests around payday.

The South African Federation for Mental Health ( SAFMH) suggests ways you can play a valuable role in supporting colleagues:

Most importantly, treat them with respect and dignity.

Let your colleague know that you are there if they want to talk.

Make sure you can talk somewhere quiet and private.

Let your colleague share as much or as little as they want to.

Ask questions to help you understand what they are going through, but tell them that they don’t have to answer any questions that make them feel uncomfortable. Try not to be judgmental. You are not their therapist or doctor. Don’t try to diagnose some- one. Always encourage them to seek professional help.

Talk about well-being. Talk about ways of de-stressing and ask your colleague if there is anything that they find helps. Ask if your colleague is in touch with any self-help groups or has supportive friends.

Employers can contact CMH for affordable employee assistance programmes (EAP) to support staff. Our programme strengthens people’s ability to cope with the challenges of modern life, enhances work-place well-being and improves productivity.

For a solution to your EAP challenges or to make an appointment, contact: 021 447 9040.

Chanelle Albertyn, PR and Communications Manager of CMH.