World Mental Health Day: 10th of October 

World Mental Health Day falls on the 10th of October every year, and is a reminder to all people to open up about their mental health. 

This year’s theme is workplace mental health as working environments can often be stressful, it is important to check in on colleagues and management as you never know what someone is struggling with. Work can have a huge impact on our mental health. It can be good for our mental health, giving us a sense of purpose, boosting our self-worth, and providing opportunities to connect with others. But it can also be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing or worsening mental health problems. 

The World Mental Health Foundation says: On World Mental Health Day, let’s all come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, why not check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues? 

Working in the early years, you often put children’s needs before your own. The 10th of October is the opportunity for you to take time for yourself! This can be done through a number of simple ways: 

• A walk outside in the fresh air 
• Seeing family or friends 
• Treating yourself to a cup of tea or coffee
• Eating well 
• Listen to your favourite music 

Prioritising your mental wellbeing can be achieved with small things to brighten your day or boost your happiness. Often stressful work environments, deadlines, personal issues can weigh on everyday life, making your mental health suffer. 

There are many things that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, from providing staff training on mental health to tackling discrimination and bullying. Importantly, a mentally healthy workplace supports open conversations about mental health. 

A survey conducted by the Pre school Learning Alliance shows that:  

• 57% of early years workers have suffered from anxiety as a result of work and 26% have experienced depression. 
• 1 in 4 early years workers are considering leaving the sector due to stress and mental health problems.  
• 45% of early years workers have said that work-related stress and mental health issues have impacted on their work performance. 
   

Did you know that almost 60% of staff working in the Early Years sector have suffered from anxiety as a result of work?

At Birth to 19 we strive to create a comfortable and open workplace environment where our staff feel confident to share any wellbeing issues. 
What do we do here to support our staff?

• Be there to listen and support each other
• Say thank you regularly
• Have a monthly fuddle after our team meeting

We'd love to know how your settings support the wellbeing of staff!|
 

There are lots of ways to take part in World Mental Health Day this year, at home or at work. As workplace wellbeing is the focus for this year, Tea & Talk is an activity that is easy and accessible for all work environments. Over 260,000 people participated in Tea & Talk last year for World Mental Health Day! 

Not only does talking with others about mental health lead you to getting support you need but also, donations made towards the Mental Health Foundation means that life-changing work can take place. The day celebrates a future for the world in becoming happier for everyone. 

One of the 5 steps to good mental wellbeing is to “Give”. Research shows that the acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental well being by:
*Creating Positive Feelings and a Sense of Reward
*Giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
*Helping you connect with other people

Take the time and effort to write down your fellow colleagues strengths and leave a note for them to find. Leaving notes or comments for staff at your workplace either complimenting them on their work ethic or motivating them - often small things like this make a world of difference for people feeling down. Fostering a sense of belonging, community and connectedness means that staff will feel safe and confident to discuss their wellbeing. 

You can also share the message of mental health and showcase your own wellbeing activities at your workplace, such as group breathing exercises, mindful walks outdoors and lots of cups of tea on social media. By using the hashtag #WMHD2024 and tagging @mentalhealthfoundation you can join others in raising awareness and normalising mental health issues in people and working organisations. Mental health is no longer a taboo subject and discussions in the workplace are important in supporting your colleagues. 

Whilst discussing mental health in the workplace is more common now than ever, there is still lots of work to be done. Mental health and talking about issues in the workplace is still stigmatised. Together as professionals we can create a new culture of prioritising wellbeing to make workplaces a happier environment for everyone.