In an ideal world, we would be able to reach our full potential in life no matter what mental health concerns we are experiencing. However, this is not always the case.

Recent research shows that more individuals every year have to go into their workplace while dealing with a mental health condition such as a mood or anxiety disorder.
 

A 2015 study indicated that 42.5 per cent of employees in the private sector suffer from depression or general anxiety disorder. A recent National Mental Health survey reported, approximately 150 million people in India need care for their mental health condition. The same survey discovered that between 70 and 92 per cent of these cases failed to receive the proper treatment.

While organizations are taking steps to create a more conducive environment with diversity and awareness – there are many ways in which we can help ourselves cope with mental health concerns in order to reach our full potential at work. 

Here are some areas you can focus on:

1. Being able to recognize the signs. Understand whether there is a sudden shift/difficulty in concentrating at work, communicating to your co-workers, or lack of interest. Being aware means that you can also start taking steps to manage any difficulties that may arise.
What do you think are some of your triggers?
 

2. Not taking on too much. It is important to be realistic about how much you can complete at the workplace, and know where to draw the boundaries. Another way to do this is by taking on just a few projects at a time and moving on to the next project once you are done with the current ones.
Would you say you find it difficult to say “no” to others and does that make you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities?

3. Making the workplace personal. Feeling disengaged from work and the people around you may add to the stress and leave you feeling de-motivated. Adding a personal touch to your surroundings, such as pictures of your loved ones and a  favourite pet, or items that resonate with you like perhaps a plant or a comfortable cushion can help elevate moods and increase productivity.
 

4. Keep up with Self-care. What you do outside of the office will reflect directly on how you feel at work, and your ability to manage stressors. Some important aspects to keep in mind are: getting complete and restful sleep, exercise, a healthy/balanced diet, engaging in hobbies/interests, and staying connected to your loved ones. Taking care of these areas in your life will positively affect your energy levels, and your ability to manage obstacles at work.
 

5. Organization is key. Preparing yourself for the tasks ahead means that you have direction and smaller goals set for yourself. At times even smaller regular decisions such as what to wear, what to pack in your lunch can leave us feeling exhausted and de-motivated. This is known as decision fatigue and can be tackled by organizing your days. For example, you can plan meals for the entire week, or choose and keep your clothes ready for work on a Sunday, or keep to a schedule when it comes to exercise time or when you get to sleep every night.

Lastly, it is important to seek outside help when needed. Talking about it with a mental health professional doesn’t mean you can’t take care of yourself. It just means that you are taking the time to take care of yourself, by addressing what is bothering you and the best ways to manage your days to get the best out of them. Sometimes just a little bit of direction and someone that understands you can make all the difference!

If you are struggling with managing a mental health concern at work and would like to talk about the questions asked in this article further, it could help to discuss what is on your mind. Talk to a counsellor.