Mental health is not a new thing, although it is more common now than ever for it to be discussed in public forums. The stigma of talking about mental health is thankfully dissipating and less and less taboo of a subject.
It is no secret that our jobs or careers can cause poor mental health. Whether this be in the form of stress or other health conditions such as anxiety and/or depression. Although, it is important to realise that a workplace of any description can have a positive on your personal wellbeing. The right job or career can offer you purpose in life. Both of which offers motivation to achieve great success, no matter how you measure this, but also it will give you the motivation to get out of bed in a morning.
So, what are the risks your career has of on your mental health?
At some point in our working lives, we have all felt a degree of burn out. Maybe due to: excessive workloads; the actual pace of working environment; the perceived need to keep up with it because Joe Bloggs can do things quicker than the next; and probably one of the biggest issues we are facing as an industry is understaffing. Understaffing can not only cause extra work, but it could also lead to long unsociable hours and a poor work life balance overall. With a doubt which in turn has the potential to negatively impact your home life. Furthermore, understaffing can also be a sign of a poor working culture and environment. This also has a detrimental effect on mental health.
Whilst researching content for this blog I have found that people who are most likely to suffer are people who work in high stress environments. (Yes this seems obvious). However, it’s also the industries that are affected by economic recessions or geographical changes that may be at the forefront. For example, Solicitors and legal professionals are by the very nature of their role at an adverse risk of poor mental health. The legal sector is naturally highly competitive with long hours which leads to high levels of anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion. I think we have all heard of the “stories” of trainee solicitors working 100-hour weeks and sleeping in the office at city firms.
Why is it important to find the right career for your mental health?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that almost 60% of the world’s population is in work. Work and employers can protect your mental health and are able to help towards contributing to recovery by offering inclusion. Both help with improving confidence. Most importantly, they help social functioning and the opportunity to be around like-minded professional people.
What should you look for when balancing your career with your mental health?
Finding a role with the right balance may have seemed elusive in the past. However, it is more prominent and promoted than ever before. A lot of employers now offer great initiatives around mental health and have safeguards in place for anyone who needs them. Moreover, with a couple of changes to your working life you can make a positive impact to your mental health. Below are a couple of tips to help you on your way.
Established clear boundaries between your personal life and your working life.
Try to avoid regularly checking emails in your free time. We are all guilty of this, but your free time is your time.
Set realistic expectations.
Break down your tasks into bitesize chunks. I have found creating a to-do list and a day planner using my Outlook serves me well.
Also, if you have several tasks, try completing the “quick wins” first. It’s surprising how your confidence skyrockets when you tick them off one by one. At the end of each day, tick off everything you have you completed and write a new list for the next day. This will allow you to leave everything at your desk and switch off outside of work.
Take a break.
Easier said than done I suspect you are saying to yourself. However, this is easier to do than you think. Small things like getting away from your desk on a lunch break. If getting outside can’t be an option, have dinner with a colleague instead perhaps. Why not make a pact not to talk work at lunch? Find a podcast to listen to that takes your mind away or listen to some music. Whatever works for you, but just remember to take your mind away.
Continuously look to grow and develop.
Professionally or personally, the opportunity to pursue opportunities for growth can ignite a passion and engagement. Certainly, this will lead to positive improvement of your mental health.
Speak Up.
If the demand of your jobs or workload is too much is affecting your mental health, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your employer might be able to make reasonable adjustments, or provide you with additional training or resources.
Also, your GP is there to help you if you are struggling with your mental health. Additionally, they can put you in touch with mental health professionals.
Make most of your time away from work.
Your annual leave and time outside of work is for you. Fill it with things that you like and that enhance your mental health. Whether that’s engaging in hobbies, exploring new places, spending time with loved ones, going on holidays, cooking, or more! Unquestionably, arranging activities and making plans gives you something to look forward to.
To conclude – coping with mental health during our careers
As someone who lives with depression and anxiety and works in a high paced and often a highly stress industry, I can honestly say writing this blog has been an eye-opening experience to some degree.
Often spotting signs your job has a negative effect on your mentality is difficult, but not impossible. Certainly, it’s not something you need to live with. If you do start to recognise these changes within yourself then it is time to do something about it. Whether that is implementing some of the above tips, or removing yourself from the situation in the form of a new role. Either way, it is all about doing what is right for you and protecting your mental health in the workplace.
About the Eventus Recruitment Group
Here at the Eventus Recruitment Group, we help candidates find the job that suits them perfectly. In doing so, it helps reduce the risk of some mental health problems. If you feel like you need a change in your working career, please click here to contact us for a confidential discussion. We are a team of award-winning recruitment specialists that can help enhance your career by listening to your needs.
Other blogs on mental health in the workplace:
Creating a Mental Health Friendly Workplace
Signs and Ways to Overcome Burnout in the Workplace
Managing Stress Linked to the Workplace
Improving our wellbeing at work, read here.
Useful Resources:
Mind UK – a helpful website all about mental health. This page includes resources for managers and HR professionals about recognising struggling staff members, implementing more mental health friendly activities in the workplace, how to help staff that might be struggling, and more. For employees, it gives advice on managing your mental health whilst at work, and how to deal with certain situations.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
For more advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest recruitment and career advice directly from us by clicking here.