Part 3: Mental Health and well-being – we must talk about the stigma
In part 3 of this discussion between the ECA Communication Section and the UN Health Clinic, we discuss mental health stigma and the solutions that need to be implemented. The UN Health Clinic team has a word of encouragement for staff that may be struggling with mental health and well-being.
Q. How do we get rid of the stigma around mental health issues?
Stigma reduction is one of the key indicators under the pillar on promoting well-being and protecting mental health at work.
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We need to focus on psychoeducation: We can enhance understanding through workshops, training sessions, and informational campaigns focusing on mental health topics and their importance, particularly in the workplace context. Educating employees helps dismantle myths and fears, fostering a more informed workforce that recognizes signs of mental health issues (Pescosolido et al., 2008).
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We need to encourage open dialogue: Fostering a culture where conversations around mental health are encouraged and normalized plays a vital role in alleviating stigma. Leadership must lead by example, publicly discussing their own mental health experiences and modelling openness to promote acceptance across all organizational levels (Wang et al., 2007).
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It’s important to share personal stories: When individuals share personal journeys regarding mental health, it humanizes the subject and helps others relate, reducing the perception of mental health issues as taboo. These narratives can provide hope and demonstrate that it’s possible to overcome challenges
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Most importantly, we must implement policies: Organizations should develop and communicate clear policies that reflect their commitment to mental health and well-being in the workplace. These policies can serve as a framework that encourages ongoing support, reducing fear and stigma around discussing mental health (Jones, 2011).
Q. What issues came out of the sessions on the 10th of October session, what are the takeaways?
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We agreed on the need for information sharing: We discussed pilot projects being carried out to find innovative ways of working. Information was shared on how a country like Great Britain is carrying out pilot projects to see whether there could be more effective ways of working, such as working 4 days a week instead of 5 days a week.
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The session stressed the importance of a positive leadership role: Effective communication and unwavering support from management were highlighted as critical components in cultivating a culture that prioritizes mental health. Leaders who model mental wellness initiatives reinforce the importance of these programs to their teams.
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But we also agreed on the need for resources: Participants voiced a desire for more accessible mental health resources and support systems within the workplace. This desire underscores the need for clearly delineated pathways for employees to access mental health services, including Employee Assistance Programs and counselling services.
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The need for more mental health awareness was stressed: A strong consensus emerged around the need for ongoing education and awareness campaigns about mental health to ensure staff understand the available resources and how to utilize them effectively. Continuous learning helps build a well-informed workforce that is proactive rather than reactive when it comes to mental health
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We need more peer support networks: Many participants emphasized the importance of establishing peer support networks that promote a caring, understanding, and supportive environment. These networks can facilitate informal support mechanisms that encourage employees to discuss their struggles without fear
Q. What is your message to staff who may be struggling with mental health issues?
Our message to staff struggling with mental health issues will sound like this:
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You Are Not Alone: Many individuals face mental health challenges, and it's vital to remember that support is available. Recognizing that you are part of a larger community can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation
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Seek Help: Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted colleague, supervisor, or mental health professional. Taking the first step toward seeking help can lead to significant positive changes in your life. It's crucial to advocate for your mental health needs
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Prioritize Self-Care: Invest in self-care activities that promote well-being—whether through exercise, social connections, or mindfulness. These practices are essential for maintaining mental health and resilience against stress
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Do Value the Little Difference You Can Make: It is like throwing a small stone into the middle of the lake, the ripple effects of it will be there to the very end of the lake
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We Are in This Together: Your well-being matters greatly. As a community, we are here to support, uplift, and work together toward achieving a healthier workplace and beyond. Remember, it is okay to ask for help, and collectively, we can foster a culture of support and care
One last word!
Self-Care Is not Selfish! Self-Care leads to you feeling beautiful, joyful, loving. When you are filled with love, and joy only you can share it with your family, colleagues, and all those around you.
The mind is a vast and challenging mechanism. In a workplace like the UN where people have come together with a common goal of delivering for the betterment of the world, working towards that goal can be a challenge as we come from different corners of the world. Our diversities can contribute to the richness of the output of our work, only if we are ready to appreciate the diversity each human being brings into the community. But it can only be so if the mind is ready for inclusiveness.
Furthermore, a healthy mind is ready to include ‘the other’. So, let’s work toward Mental Health and Wellbeing to ensure a workforce that celebrates inclusiveness.
Lastly, we would like to thank the Communication Team for participating and sharing beautiful photos from the Mental Health Month Closing Ceremony: a picture is worth a thousand words!
References
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Bridges, L. J., et al. (2010). "Storytelling and narratives in the context of clinical and mental health settings: Scientific and practical perspectives." Journal of Clinical Psychology.
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Chesney, S. A., et al. (2006). "The role of self-care in the prevention of burnout among mental health professionals." Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37(6), 619-624.
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Corrigan, P. W. (2004). "How stigma interferes with mental health care." American Psychologist, 59(7), 614.
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Lerner, D., & Henke, R. M. (2008). "What does it mean to work when you're sick? The impact of medical conditions on productivity." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 50(3), 241-253.
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Pescosolido, B. A., et al. (2008). "The public's response to a crisis: Stigma and the role of social networks." The American Journal of Public Health, 98(1), 138-143.