Mental health is an increasingly challenging social and economic issue and can affect people from all walks of life. Throughout May, both the UK and U.S. drew attention to this growing issue with Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK (4-20 May 2018) and Mental Health Awareness month in the U.S.
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems. This year, the Mental Health Foundation in the UK is focussed in particular on stress. Research has shown that two-thirds of us experience a mental health problem in our lifetime and stress is a key contributor. By confronting stress, we can go a long way to tackling mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and, in some instances, self-harm and suicide.
In the U.S., where as many as 1 in 5 adults has a mental health condition, Mental Health America (MHA) has raised awareness about the connection between physical and mental health with their campaign, Fitness #4Mind4Bod. This campaign encouraged a healthier lifestyle to promote better mental wellbeing and the organisation offered a toolkit and various positive suggestions for improving wellbeing.
By 2030, it is estimated that there will be around two million more adults in the UK with mental health problems than there were in 2015, so having a mental health strategy is now key to any business. At Crawford, our mission is to restore and enhance lives, businesses and communities and this support extends to our talented employees.
Crawford in the UK has taken a positive step towards recognising the importance of mental health within our workforce and is committed to the implementation of mental health first aid training for a selection of employees. This will ensure that the company has a network of accredited mental health first aiders across the UK business.
The training will enable the first aiders to identify, understand and help anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Breaking the stigma that surrounds talking about mental health, the training will teach them how to listen and respond to a potential crisis, support positive wellbeing and champion mental health issues in the workplace.
As part our ongoing wellbeing program, we will also be providing leaders with a mental health overview to help raise their awareness and better equip them to support employees who are experiencing problems.
