Let's learn to talk about mental health

Mental health issues in the work environment have fortunately already been recognized. More and more companies are actively working to provide support to their Employees, organizing workshops or providing consultations with a psychologist. However, this does not change the fact that there is still a taboo around mental disorders and the subsequent difficulty of addressing this topic in the workplace. Many people are still afraid to talk about their emotions, afraid to admit to mental problems, and don't know how to react when such information comes to his team. Many leaders still spend too little time on communication. That's why the "Closer to Yourself" campaign was created.

- We recognized a key problem, which is the lack of open communication in organizations about mental health, emotions and well-being, and not enough empathy. Unfortunately, many people still fail to recognize how important a role they play in an organization, in managing a team and building an entire organizational culture. And often even if we are aware of this, we don't necessarily know how to undertake a psychologically safe dialogue for both sides," says Agata Swornowska-Kurto, CEO of ArteMis Group, the originator and organizer of the campaign.

Being attentive to the way we communicate, being empathetic, being aware in the area of relationships, emotions and being able to address difficult topics with Employees brings real benefits and builds positive attitudes in the company culture. This is the first step from which any strategy to build well-being in the organization should start. Empathy and open dialogue are the basis for creating a culture of trust in the workplace.

The name of the campaign is no accident. "Closer to Yourself" encourages people to be closer to their co-workers, to better understand their behavior and needs, but also to be closer to themselves. It's about being aware of your own emotions, needs and reactions.

- Only by understanding our own emotions and being empathetic to ourselves will we be able to direct actions to others. A great way to illustrate this is an oxygen mask on an airplane - we first put it on ourselves so that we can safely help our fellow passengers. In turn, closeness between co-workers is supposed to turn into open dialogue, sincere and kind communication," adds Agata Swornowska-Kurto.

The campaign will tame the topic of mental disorders, educate about mental health and the importance of communicating about it in the work environment, and motivate open dialogue about the well-being of Employees.

- We want to show how important the role of communication is in an organization and how important it is for the Employer and team leaders to take on the role of dialogue leader. We will talk about empathy, communication, as well as emotional intelligence, empathetic leadership and a culture of well-being, " says Agata Swornowska-Kurto.

As part of its activities, the campaign will also draw attention to the issue of language. Spoken words can be a wonderful support, but they can also hurt, stigmatize and hinder the building of a friendly work environment.

- Unfortunately, over the years, we have infamously nurtured negative terms associated with mental illnesses, or misused words related to mental conditions for inappropriate and trivial situations. These are hurtful and disrespectful actions. Yet depression is not simply a bad day, a panic attack is not a feeling of fear. We must remember - and we will also emphasize this - that language shapes our reality," adds Agata Swornowska-Kurto.

The campaign will be implemented in the period until July 15. A number of educational and informational activities have been planned. On the website blizejsiebie.info there is a knowledge base available to all, where new articles and educational videos will appear on an ongoing basis. The materials are being co-created with a group of experts who, together with representatives of the Campaign Partners, will also participate in planned webinars.

An extremely important element of the campaign will be a survey and a report on the mental health problems and needs that exist in companies, as well as communication in the area of mental fitness.

Medexpress.co.uk is among the media patrons of the campaign.

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