It’s no secret that good health is the key to a long and fulfilling life. Our health influences many aspects of our daily lives, shaping not only how we feel but also how we approach our day to day… but what constitutes good health, and what does it look like?

Good health is arguably a subjective goal for each one of us, with no two journeys the same. But what we can recognise is the strong relationship between our health and our surrounding environments, which makes us look at our unique lifestyle factors such as socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions. However not only do the mentioned conditions affect your physical health, but these also make a reasonably large impact on your mental health.

Mental Health – it’s a term that’s quite often flung around in the media, in social settings and at the workplace, but what does it mean? Well, by definition, mental health is “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”.

A 2023 research paper released by The Australian Bureau of Statistics showcased that out of a nearly 20 million people recorded aged between 16-85 years, more than 8 and a half million Australians (42.9%) have admitted to experiencing some sort of mental health disorder within their lifetime.(1)

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, which is often overlooked despite affecting over 8 million Australians. Mental illness can variate in severity and has the capacity to cause strain on one’s direct community which can include friends, family and peers, spilling strain into other elements of our lives.

By understanding the impacts mental health can cause beyond the initial sufferer, we can address the larger chain of impact mental health crisis has the ability to affect and make changes as a society to address these issues, creating habits within our homes, schools and workplaces to encourage healthier lifestyle and overall wellbeing.

As we step approach mid-November, many Australians have stepped up to the challenge to embrace Movember- an amazing initiative supporting Mens Health, creating conversations around cancer, prostate and mental health issues. This month it’s important that we work to break down barriers associated with toxic traditional views on masculinity.

SUPPORTING A HEALTHIER DIRECTION

Over 9 in 10 (93%) believe employers have a responsibility to look out for the mental health of their workers (2). A growing question, what exactly do workplaces do to support employees experiencing mental health problems and how much should they be doing?

Traditionally, employees would turn to HR for guidance, but when dealing with serious mental health challenges, many individuals are hesitant to discuss these issues openly, especially with those who may be involved in reviewing their performance. Given the average Australian spends around 40 hours a week at work, having a team trained in Mental Health First Aid provides an invaluable resource within the workplace. By equipping your team with the expertise of identify signs of mental health distress and how to approach employees in need, you’re providing a safe space as a resource, supporting colleagues without judgement or feared repercussions.

WORKING TOWARDS A HEALTHIER WORKPLACE

Nearly nine out of ten (87%) Australians would be more willing to offer help to someone suffering mental health issues if they knew how (2) - which is why, with proper training, a more supportive environment in the workplace can be created.

There are many resources available for individuals and organisations looking to improve their knowledge and skillset in mental health, such as specialised training courses which develop your confidence and equip you to approach someone who may benefit from a compassionate and supportive conversation.
Courses such as the St John ‘Mental Health and Crisis Support’ allows participants to develop their skillset to assist employees suffering with potential mental illnesses, or those returning to work after a crisis.

The course covers topics such as:

• Identifying mental health illnesses
• Duty of care
• Providing support to people at risk
• Principles of self-care
• Strategies for good mental health

As new laws addressing psychological hazards are introduced across Australian workplaces, creating a safer, mentally healthier environment is becoming a top priority for all businesses. By promoting safe and open discussions about mental health and advocating for a Mental Health training within the workplace, we can work towards a better and happier every day. The skills gained from mental health training are also highly transferable skills, offering valuable support both in and outside of the workplace.

Find out what solutions St John can provide for you and your workplace today:

• Mental Health and Crisis Support
• Mental Health first aid
• Workplace Mental Health for Managers