Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
Overview
Mental health conditions affect millions of workers and their families, impacting job performance, safety, and overall well-being. Creating awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting mental health in the workplace benefits everyone and contributes to a safer, more productive work environment.
Why This Is Important
Mental health conditions affect 1 in 5 adults annually, with depression and anxiety being the leading causes of workplace disability. Untreated mental health issues increase accident rates, reduce productivity, and contribute to higher turnover and absenteeism.
The construction and industrial sectors have suicide rates significantly higher than the national average, making mental health awareness and support critical for worker safety and survival. Mental health challenges often worsen when workers feel isolated or unsupported.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Practice Active Listening
Practice active listening without judgment when someone shares mental health concerns.
Recognize Warning Signs
Learn to recognize signs of mental health struggles in yourself and coworkers.
Encourage Professional Help
Encourage seeking professional help when mental health issues persist or worsen.
Know Available Resources
Know what mental health resources and support services are available.
Practice Self-Care
Practice self-care and maintain your own mental health and resilience.
Create Supportive Culture
Help create a workplace culture that supports mental health and reduces stigma.
Recognizing Mental Health Warning Signs
Behavioral Changes
Increased absenteeism, declining work quality, social withdrawal, or dramatic changes in personality and work habits.
Emotional Indicators
Persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, hopelessness, or extreme mood swings that interfere with daily functioning.
Physical Symptoms
Fatigue, headaches, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and frequent illness that may indicate underlying stress or depression.
Safety Concerns
Increased accidents, near-misses, risk-taking behavior, or difficulty concentrating on safety-critical tasks.
Mental Health Resources
Employee Assistance Programs
Free, confidential counseling and support services available to workers and their families for various life challenges.
Crisis Hotlines
24/7 support lines for immediate help during mental health emergencies or suicidal thoughts - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
Healthcare Providers
Primary care doctors, mental health professionals, and specialists who can provide diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.
Support Groups
Peer support groups for specific conditions or life challenges that provide understanding and shared experiences.
Supporting Mental Health
- Reduce Stigma - Talk openly about mental health and treat it with the same importance as physical health
- Check In Regularly - Ask coworkers how they’re doing and listen to their responses
- Respect Confidentiality - Keep personal information shared in confidence
- Be Patient - Recovery takes time and may involve setbacks
- Know Your Limits - Recognize when professional help is needed
Crisis Response
If someone expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions:
- Take it seriously - never ignore or dismiss these statements
- Stay with the person or ensure they’re not alone
- Call 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) immediately
- Remove any means of self-harm if safely possible
- Get professional help right away
Discussion Questions
- What barriers prevent workers from seeking mental health support, and how can we address them?
- How can we create a more supportive culture around mental health in our workplace?
- How comfortable would you feel approaching someone you're concerned about regarding their mental health?
- What mental health resources are available to us, and how can we better promote awareness of them?
- What additional support would help workers maintain better mental health and well-being?
Action Items
- Learn about available mental health resources and how to access them
- Practice recognizing warning signs of mental health struggles
- Develop skills for supportive conversations about mental health
- Help create a stigma-free environment for mental health discussions
Related Safety Topics
Takeaway: Mental health is just as important as physical health for workplace safety and overall well-being. Look out for yourself and your coworkers, reduce stigma through understanding and support, and remember that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels supported and valued.