Whether you’re navigating the process of finding a new job, feeling unhappy or underappreciated in your current role, or struggling to balance work and home life, these challenges take a toll on your mental health.
In this newsletter, we will be exploring some of the different aspects of mental ill health, its impact on our overall well-being, and provide some strategies to cope with its effects.
Understanding Mental Ill Health
Mental ill health refers to a group of conditions that affect a person’s ability to think, interact with others, and cope with the demands of everyday life. There are various types of mental health conditions, but Anxiety, Stress, and Depression are among the most prevalent. Many of us will experience one or more of these conditions at some point in our lives, either personally or while supporting loved ones facing these challenges.
The Physical and Mental Impact
Conditions such as severe stress and anxiety can have not only mental implications but physical impacts too. When our “fight or flight” responses are continuously triggered, the release of adrenaline and cortisol floods our bodies, affecting our overall well-being – this includes heart palpitations, dizziness, difficulty breathing as well as reducing “non-essential” functions such as immune response, reproductive health, and digestion.
Constant anxiety can also result in anxiety spirals that take hold, leading to a cycle of worry and fear.
Depression, on the other hand, can make it incredibly difficult to find joy in life, including activities we once enjoyed. These conditions can significantly impact our career pursuits, making it challenging to navigate the job search or find satisfaction in our professional lives.
Coping Strategies: The Worry Tree and STOPP Technique
To manage mental health conditions effectively, it’s important to employ coping strategies that help regain control. The Worry Tree is a helpful tool for addressing anxiety. It involves identifying worries and categorizing them into those that can be resolved and those beyond our control (hypothetical worries).
The Worry Tree – how to manage the impacts of worries. You see if it’s a worry you can do something about. If you can, you deal with that worry right away then let it go, or you schedule a time to sort out the worry, so in the meantime, you must let it go. If the worry is hypothetical, i.e. it is out of your control and you cannot do/change anything, then you must learn to let it go.
The STOPP technique can also be beneficial, offering a step-by-step process to halt negative thought patterns and reframe our thinking. It gets us to challenge our thoughts objectively and to take time rather than just reacting in the moment.
STOPP technique – if you’re struggling with anxiety or negative thoughts in a moment, then firstly stop. Take a breath. Then look at the situation – observe it. Is this a feeling that you have that’s justified, or is there something else going on? Look at the situation objectively. Then Pause – take some time to sort out what you should do – to think. Then Practice what works.
By applying these techniques, we can reduce the impact of mental health challenges on our careers and overall well-being.
Embracing Mindfulness and “Me” Time
Mindfulness techniques are a great way to be in the present moment and learn to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. There are lots of different ways to practice mindfulness, from colouring and doodles, to breathing exercises and meditation.
Setting aside dedicated “me” time gives you the chance to recharge. It can be tricky to prioritise self-care, but having time to do something you enjoy is a great way to boost your mental well-being.
By incorporating mindfulness practices and personal time, we can positively influence our career pursuits and enhance our productivity.
Prioritising Mental Health
Mental ill health can have a big impact on both our personal and professional lives, so it’s vital we take proactive steps towards better mental health.
Many organisations are recognising the need to prioritise mental health, from Mental Health Support schemes to benefits specifically targeting improving the mental well-being of their staff.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please do not struggle alone.
There are many incredible charities and organisations that are there to provide you with help and guidance, as well as support from the NHS and GP services.
We work with many companies that understand the need to support their staff with all aspects of their well-being. If you’re interested in finding out more or are looking for a change in your career, reach out to one of our IT Recruitment Consultants on 01489 850202 or via email.
Alternatively, take a look at the Mexa Solutions jobs page for all of our latest vacancies.