Mental Health First Aid India August Newsletter
Mental Health First Aid India August Newsletter
2024-09-13
Mental Health First Aid India August Newsletter
In this newsletter:
- Welcome message [Erinda Shah, Managing Director, MHFA India]
- Top engaging social media posts
- Events Highlights
- Corporates Trainings
- Upcoming "Change the Narrative" suicide prevention campaign for September
- MHFA Trainings
A Message from Erinda Shah, Managing Director, MHFA India
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the August edition of the MHFA India newsletter. As we continue our mission to improve mental health support across various sectors, I am delighted to share some of the key highlights and developments from this month. Our community's dedication to advancing mental health awareness is truly inspiring, and together, we are making significant strides in fostering a more supportive and understanding environment.
This month, we saw remarkable engagement on social media, held impactful training sessions, and prepared for our upcoming “Change the Narrative” suicide prevention campaign. Each of these efforts plays a crucial role in enhancing mental health support and promoting open conversations about mental well-being.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to this important cause. Together, we are paving the way for a more compassionate and informed society.
Warm regards,
Erinda Shah
Managing Director, MHFA India
Social Snapshots: Top Engagement Highlights
Is Mental Health a Comfortable Topic in Your Workplace?
Our August LinkedIn poll asked if employees feel comfortable discussing mental health at work, the findings highlighted a significant gap in comfort levels when it comes to discussing mental well-being at work. This underscores the urgent need for building open and supportive conversations about mental health within corporate environments
The Reality of Mental Health in Corporate Settings
Mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression are on the rise in high-pressure workplaces. Yet, our recent poll shows 67% of employees do not feel comfortable discussing mental health at work, while only 25% do. This highlights a larger issue—many avoid these discussions due to stigma and fear, reflecting the wider mental health treatment gap in society.
Why Mental Health Conversations Are Avoided
Stigma: Mental health is often viewed negatively, making employees fear judgment or being seen as weak.
Leadership Disconnect: Some leaders consider mental health a personal issue, resulting in superficial initiatives that lack genuine impact.
Fear: Managers may avoid the topic, unsure how to support employees struggling with anxiety or depression.
Outdated Attitudes: In certain workplaces, a “tough-it-out” mentality still prevails, ignoring the real effects of mental health on job performance.
The Impact on Workplaces
Avoiding mental health conversations doesn’t help, it makes things worse. Poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher turnover. Companies that neglect mental health will see their performance suffer.
How Language Shapes Mental Health Conversations
The language we use in mental health conversations is critical. Leaders and managers often soften terms like “depression” or “anxiety” by using words such as “stress” or “emotional challenges,” but this can limit the depth of the discussion and downplay the seriousness of the issue. Using polished language may seem more comfortable, yet it can prevent people from truly understanding the gravity of mental health struggles
Steps to Encourage Mental Health Conversations
Mental Health Training: Programs like MHFA teach employees to recognize and address mental health issues.
Lead by Example: Leaders should openly discuss their own mental health to encourage openness.
Work-Life Balance: Support flexible hours and manageable workloads to prevent burnout.
Normalize Mental Health Days: Just as we take sick days, employees should feel comfortable taking days off for mental well-being.
Are people in your workplace comfortable discussing mental health? If not, it’s time for a change. Creating a culture of openness and support around mental health can greatly improve the well-being of employees and the organization's overall success.
Events and Key Highlights
Title: Key Highlights from the National Wellness Conference on Leadership and Mental Health
We are proud to share that our founder, Erinda Shah, was invited to speak at the influential 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐧 2024 ~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. We extend our heartfelt thanks to NHRDN for the amazing energy and valuable learning experience.
The conference featured a powerful C-suite discussion with senior members from corporates, IT, and manufacturing sectors. The dialogue highlighted the pivotal role of leadership in creating a mentally healthy workplace. Executives came together to share insights, strategies, and personal experiences, emphasizing that mental health is not just an HR issue but a leadership priority. From promoting open conversations to implementing supportive policies, the discussion underscored the need for proactive, compassionate approaches.
Let’s continue to champion mental health at every level of our organizations.
Corporate Training Success Stories
In August, we held several Mental Health First Aid training courses across various industries. Our trainers noticed an exciting trend, corporate professionals are now signing up voluntarily, without being specifically appointed by their organizations. This reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health support in the workplace, creating a positive buzz around MHFA.
We’ve also noticed an increase in discussions around mental health in these industries, reflecting a cultural shift towards prioritizing employee well-being. Companies are beginning to see the value of mental health training, not just for compliance, but as a long-term investment in productivity, engagement, and employee retention.
Upcoming Campaign: "Change the Narrative"
Introduction to the September Campaign
We are excited to announce our 2024 Suicide Prevention Campaign, titled "Change the Narrative," launching on September 1st. This initiative is designed to drive meaningful conversations about suicide prevention and create a supportive environment for discussing this critical issue.
Campaign Objective:
The objective of the campaign is to encourage daily conversations about suicide prevention. We believe that every conversation can make a difference, and we aim to engage individuals, organizations, and communities in this vital dialogue.
Weekly Tasks:
Over the four weeks of the campaign, participants will receive specific conversation statements and downloadable materials to help guide their discussions. Each week will focus on a particular aspect of suicide prevention, providing resources and support for effective engagement.
Get Involved:
We encourage you to share your participation on social media using our campaign collaterals and tag us #MHFA India. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire others to join the campaign and spread the message of hope and support.
MHFA Training Sessions:
What is Mental Health First Aid ?
MHFA is like physical first aid but for mental health. It involves recognizing signs of mental distress, providing immediate support, and guiding individuals to professional help, emphasizing quick and informed action during mental health crises.
Why is Mental Health First Aid Training Important?
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: With 1 in 5 people globally experiencing mental health issues, and 150 million in India alone, MHFA training provides critical support.
Scarcity of Services: Mental health services are often limited; MHFA offers essential early intervention.
Reducing Stigma: Training helps break down stigma and fosters a supportive environment for mental health.
Early Intervention: Equips individuals to identify and address mental health issues promptly.
Standardized Skills: Provides evidence-based, practical skills for effective mental health support.
For Whom
Public: Empowers individuals to support mental health in their communities.
Workplaces: Improves workplace wellness and mental health management.
MHFA bridges the gap between experiencing a mental health crisis and receiving professional help, promoting a more informed and empathetic society.
Enroll Now: Getintouch
Thank You!