Who's Responsible For Your Mental Wellbeing When at Work?

Cooper and Cartwright (1997) propose that psychological support in the workplace, or 'workplace counselling' as it is often referred to, has an important role in the maintenance and promotion of employee wellbeing. But has therapy or counselling still got an unfavourable connotation to it?

I'm left wondering if we only seek help when something's wrong, for example if you feel unfit you may seek out a gym supported by your employer or if you want motivation maybe a Life Coach but what if you want a gym for the mind. When your mind feels health you are more able to concentrate, think issues through, cope with challenges. A healthy mind I believe can also help you feel more rested in yourself and at ease with who you are and your environment.

So how does therapy for a healthy mind work? There are many options available nowadays from face to face work to even staying in the comfort of your own home and using the web cam or email options. This option is perfect for those of you who want services when you want them in a place that meets your needs rather than the therapists.

If we start to place all responsibilities on our mental health on our employer then I think we are asking them to be friend, mentor, parent, doctor etc, etc. I would propose that there is a joint responsibility for mental wellbeing when at work.

The government are pushing a strategy called New Horizons they state, "'A strategy that encourages people to protect themselves against mental illnesses like depression and anxiety will be of immense benefit. Mental ill health not only causes untold personal suffering and distress, but also affects people's relationships, ability to work, family life. It can lead to a range of physical health problems."

My advice is its not too late to start looking after your mental wellbeing!

References: Cooper, C. L., & Cartwright, S. (1997). An intervention strategy for workplace stress. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 43 (1), 7-16.

https://www.newleaf.uk.com/ providing online and face to face counselling and therapy.

Becky Wright MBACP (Accred) , MSc, PGDip Couns, UKRC Reg is a qualified and experienced therapist and life coach with New Leaf https://www.newleaf.uk.com she offers online and face to face work via msm, web cam and Live Person.

Becky has a Life Coaching practice both online and via the Islington Therapy Centre based in London.