Did you know that every year, we celebrate World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on October 10th? It’s a global initiative created by the World Federation for Mental Health, and its primary goal is to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. This year’s theme is particularly timely in our fast-paced, digital and communication world: "It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace." You can find out more here: https://wmhdofficial.com/
Given that we spend so much of our time working, it’s critical that mental well-being becomes a priority in these environments. Where do you feel this is needed in your agency or other work life?
It is a lovely generalising to look at our mental health in a holistic way. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) notes, 60% of the global population is at work, meaning the workplace is a crucial space for mental health advocacy. You can find more about the WHO’s efforts and other organisations supporting WMHD here:
One insightful report by IPSOS found that younger people, especially women, are more likely to feel the pressures of mental health at work, leading to time off due to stress. You can read their findings here.
Redefining the 'Workplace'
When we talk about the "workplace," what do we really mean? Many of us, like myself, work from home, but that doesn’t stop our minds from being "on the job" all the time. For me, my mind is the workspace. It’s where everything happens, so it’s vital to find ways to "switch off" and create a balance.
I like to refer to my personal strategy as my Circle of Strength. It's a collection of small, simple practices that help me calm my mind and focus on the positives, which in turn allows me to manage stress and keep moving forward with a more peaceful mindset.
If you're looking for ways to manage your mind’s workspace, there are a lot of resources available, but I’ve found that talking with others can be just as helpful. Here are some tips I’ve gathered from both trusted sources and wonderful conversations.
Practical Tips for Managing Mental Health at Work
From MIND, a leading mental health organisation:
- Reclaim your lunch break – Step away from the desk to reset.
- Whistle while you work – Music or light humming can help you manage stressful moments.
- Create clear boundaries between work and home – Particularly important in the digital age.
- Start a to-do list – It’s simple, but listing out tasks can bring a sense of control and ease.
For more tips from MIND, click here.
Shared Wisdom from My Network
I’m also part of the ONLE Network, and I asked some members for their best advice on mental health at work. Their responses were truly insightful.
- Catherine Daley, a productivity coach, suggests that sharing your personal mental health story can help normalise the conversation in the workplace:
"Bring your own stories into the workplace, face-to-face or online. This helps support colleagues by normalising the words ‘mental health’ and creates opportunities for them to help you."
Sharing encourages openness, and you might be surprised how many people resonate with your experiences. - Andrew Myles, founder of Liven Creative, shared how in-person connection transformed their work culture:
"Gathering in one location has transformed how we work together. In a fast-paced, creative environment, nothing beats the synergy of being in the same room. It’s been invaluable for bonding, productivity, and overall well-being." - Liz Drury, a British voiceover artist with and former teacher, fondly recalls a holiday tradition from her workplace:
"At my former workplace, we had a staff choir for the Christmas carol service. It was a wonderful way for staff to get together and do something fun, reducing stress and bringing joy. We’d go back to work humming tunes in our heads, and it really lifted everyone’s spirits!"
So, what does this mean to you, your workspace and your mind?
This World Mental Health Day, I challenge you to reflect on how mental health is treated in your own workplace. Open up conversations, share your thoughts and feelings, and remember: you don’t need to have all the answers. That’s why we have communities—to support one another in our tribes.
If you'd like to discuss how to bring more mental well-being into your workplace or need personalized tips to manage your own mental health, I’d love to connect. Together, we can create a more supportive, positive environment for everyone.