The WHO constitution states: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are essential components of\u00a0any health programme. In the context of mental health, the need for IEC activity is exemplified by low mental health literacy,\u00a0prevailing stigma, availability and utilisation of services and all these have an adverse\u00a0effect on health seeking behaviour for mental\u00a0health problems. Mental health services and systems in most parts of the world are far from satisfactory and India is no exception. Despite years of research and a continued focus to improve health systems,\u00a0changes seen in the mental health field are few and limited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As per the NationalMental Health Survey of India, 2015-16 MOHFW India, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the workplace,\u00a0mental health issues can affect one in every six employees. Therefore, many companies are taking positive action to support staff by training them in mental health first aid (MHFA). MHFA\u00a0is the support provided to a person experiencing symptoms of mental ill-health. It\u2019s also the name for the training that teaches people how to provide initial support until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis is resolved. MHFA also teaches people to recognise signs of poor mental health in the early stages and ways to try to prevent issues from developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mental Health First Aid is extremely important in the work environment, with as many as\u00a014.7% of employees experiencing a mental health issue in the workplace. Because of this, employers can benefit hugely from training their staff in Mental Health First Aid. By implementing MHFA training in the workplace, an employer can make a difference to their employees\u2019 lives and make sure they reach their full potential in both productivity and engagement at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mental health first aid has numerous benefits in the workplace, such as enabling employees to be aware of mental health issues and know how to act in order to best help themselves and their colleagues. It can also mean reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and better morale within the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mental health first aid is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comprehensive mental health care includes not only management of affected persons with drugs and\/or admissions, but includesdeveloping programmes that are based on access to care, rights and equity issues aiming at universal coverage of populations. It should also include promotion, targeted programmes, continuity in care, rehabilitation\u00a0of affected individuals and families, protecting individual rights, ensuring social and economic protection and all these with\u00a0availability, accessibility and affordability. MHFA can promote mental health through several methods focussing on strengthening resilience, coping abilities, stress reduction, family support systems and community participation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the workplace, there is still a great deal of ignorance around mental health issues. Many people are uncertain about how to recognise mental illness, and unsure about how to react when faced with it. The might also unwittingly exhibit stigmatising behaviours and attitudes. This means that those in need of mental health help and support do not receive it. By becoming more informed and aware, managers and employees will be able to more easily spot the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and provide the right support. Someone with poor mental health may not realise it. Even if they do, they may be reluctant to seek help, or might not know where to turn for care. For an employee experiencing a mental health issue, organisation\u2019s informed and supportive response is likely to lead to a much more beneficial outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organisations should consider having adequate number of Mental Health First Aiders<\/strong> to cover for period of absence or multiple location. Have a clear and well \u2013 communicated mental health wellbeing policy. Encourage all employees to maintain a healthy workplace through mental health awareness training or resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strengthening Health System is everybody’s business. <\/p>\n The WHO constitution states: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.<\/p>\n