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If an employee has a mental health issue, it’s important their employer takes it seriously. For example, it’s a good idea to talk to the employee to find out what support they might need at work.

 

There are many types of mental health issue. An issue can happen suddenly, because of a specific event in someone’s life, it can build up gradually over time or a person may have been born with it.

 

Common mental health conditions include:

  • Stress (this is not classed as a medical condition but it can still have a serious impact on wellbeing)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Less common mental health conditions include:


    • Bipolar disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Schizoaffective disorder 
    • Borderline personality disorder
    • Obsessive compulsive disorder

Many people that suffer with mental health conditions do not just have one and misdiagnosis is common.


To cope with mental health conditions takes insight and to help those that have them in the workplace takes compassion and understanding.

mental health awareness week with HMRC landing page-1

Mental Health Awareness week with HMRC: Emma's Story

Mental Health Awareness week runs from 18 to 24 May but what is it like working with a mental health condition? We spoke to Emma Jones, a Tax Specialist at HMRC, about how she manages a full working life with a diagnosis of depression.

 

Depression can cause a plethora of daily challenges but it varies from person to person. Because not everyone with depression experiences the same symptoms, or has the same triggers, each person needs an individually focused set up in the workplace to keep well and not let the illness negatively impact their work. Emma’s story gives just one example of how we can support workers with mental disabilities.

 

Emma has had depression for twenty years, is on medication and working full time but how does her illness manifest itself in her daily life and what makes it a challenging illness? Read more...

Mental health awareness week with VERCIDA thumb

Mental Health Awareness week with VERCIDA: Louisa's bipolar Story

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, taking place from 18-24 May 2020, we decided to take a look at one condition in particular; bipolar. But rather than diving deep into the issues surrounding this illness, we investigated the potential benefits employees with bipolar can bring to business.

 

VERCIDA are very lucky to have a member of staff that is diagnosed with bipolar, amongst other mental health conditions, because she brings to the table a fierce, intelligent creativity and an exceptional work ethic. We take five with our very own Louisa Magnussen, Communications Manager, and learn about her experiences with the condition. Read more...

OUR MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERS INCLUDE:

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Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around you including staff, colleagues and health professionals that you may need additional support, help or a little more time. Read more...

evenhood

 

Advocate for #workplacementalhealth cultures. Workplace coach individuals with mental health challenges who want to perform to their best. Read more...

Mind logo

 

Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Mind campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Read more...

Justice

The Law

Employers have a ‘duty of care’. This means they must do all they reasonably can to support their employees’ health, safety and wellbeing. This includes:

  • Making sure the working environment is safe
  • Protecting staff from discrimination 
  • Carrying out risk assessments

Why talking openly about mental health is important

If staff feel they can talk openly about mental health, problems are less likely to build up. This could lead to:


    • Less time off for a mental health issue 
    • Improved morale in the workplace
    • Higher staff retention rates 
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    Creating a supportive environment

    It’s helpful if employers create an environment where staff feel able to talk openly about mental health.

    For example:

    • Treating mental and physical health as equally important
    • Making sure employees have regular one-to-ones with their managers to talk about any problems they’re having
    • Encouraging positive mental health, for example, arranging mental health awareness training, workshops or appointing mental health ‘champions’ who staff can talk to

    Employers can find out more about promoting positive mental health at work, including:

    • Understanding mental health 
    • Creating a mental health strategy
    • Educating the workforce

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Having to deal with a mental health condition can be tiring and stressful, having an employer that doesn’t support it in the workplace compounds the issue and ultimately leads to an unproductive organisation and an unhealthy work environment.

By creating an open and supportive culture that gives individuals the space to manage their personal needs you create a more inclusive space which leads to greater employee engagement.

Morgan Lobb
CEO at VERCIDA Group