2023-12-20 09:33:13
Almost half of workers in Spain (45%) do not feel safe talking about mental health in the work environment. Psychologist Patricia Ramírez offers us a decalogue to address this issue at work.
Mental health has never been an easy topic to address in the workplace. The study “Taboos in the work environment” prepared by Sondea for Amazon reveals this. In fact, the document states that almost half of our country’s workers (45%) do not feel safe talking about mental health at work.
This study is part of the second edition of #YesWeTalk. This initiative aims to raise awareness and normalize a series of topics that are still taboo in the workplace. This aims to advance in this field and achieve work spaces that guarantee physical and mental well-being.
In this edition they have had the collaboration of Patricia Ramírez, psychologist and disseminator of content on social networks.
”Mental health is a taboo topic both at work and in everyday life, since we relate these problems to a person’s weakness. However, it is very important to talk about mental health in the work environment because it helps us share our vulnerability and that makes us more human, bringing us closer to people and generating a certain feeling of belonging. Verbalizing the problem allows us to identify the element that causes it and introduce measures to correct it,” says the expert.
Video by psychologist Patricia Ramírez of the #YesWeTalk campaign
Tips for talking about mental health
Psychologist Patricia Ramírez offers a decalogue on mental health at work to raise awareness among the population of the importance of addressing this issue and sharing it with our professional sphere.
Choose the appropriate time and place. The psychologist recommends carefully selecting the time and place for these conversations related to mental health.
Choose the right person. Mental health issues, whether personal or involving more people, are very delicate. It is not necessary to share them with everyone, but we can do so with those closest to us in the workplace or with whom we work directly.
Be specific without going overboard with details. While we should not feel obliged to hide what happens to us and we should be direct, we should not unprotect our privacy if we do not feel like getting lost in details.
Avoid looking for individual culprits. Instead of looking for individual culprits, focus on finding joint solutions. The truth is that pointing out people, although it may provide momentary relief, usually leaves a devastating feeling.
Focus on solutions! Talking about mental health allows us to share and recognize that we are all susceptible to emotional suffering. However, what interests us most is looking for solutions to feel better.
It should not be an isolated event. The conversation about mental health should not be a one-time, isolated event. We must continue to keep our lines of communication open and report on progress and needs. Decalogue of mental health at work. Image provided.
Latest advice from the mental health at work decalogue
Validate emotions, don’t minimize them. If a colleague decides to approach you to tell you how they are, listen to them carefully. We cannot underestimate or minimize their emotions. Invite him to share what he needs with you.
Don’t give unsolicited advice, show your support. Before giving unsolicited advice, ask. People who are in low spirits need more support than advice.
Make yourself a priority. Remember that mental well-being is essential to be happy in all areas of life. Learning to set limits and take care of yourself is the foundation for this.
Practice empathy and maintain confidentiality. If a colleague shares their mental health status with you, be careful and respect their privacy. Decalogue of mental health at work. Image provided.
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