When it comes to managing your mental health, it’s important to understand the signs of declining mental health and wellbeing so that you can take actions to address them as soon as they crop up.
Mental health challenges look and feel differently to everyone. To determine your own challenges, try to reflect on what your usual habits and behaviours are, and how these change when you’re under pressure, feeling stressed or struggling with shifting moods.
Any number of things could be causing you to feel low, anxious or stressed at work, including:
- Your workload
- A dispute with a colleague
- Being ineffectively managed
- Workplace discrimination
- Bullying
Additionally, it’s important to recognise that the issues or challenges you’re experiencing outside of work aren’t automatically checked at the door as soon as your shift begins. Things that are going on outside of work are likely to affect your mood and performance inside of work, too.
A health condition such as arthritis, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, can also make work challenging and potentially contribute to workplace stress and mental health challenges.
If you’re experiencing any of the above and concerned about the impact on your mental health and wellbeing, be sure to reach out to the relevant people at work, such as your manager or HR representative.
Opening the conversation is the first step towards improving your mental health, and by learning about the things you’re struggling with, your employer will be able to make any necessary changes and direct you to the support you need.