Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

psychological health

What is psychological health? It is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being, which may include feelings of optimism, gratitude, and resilience. People who have good psychological health can cope with the stresses of everyday life. They can also have positive attitudes and express feelings of joy, contentment, and peace. Listed below are some positive and negative psychological health characteristics. These factors all contribute to psychological well-being. If you are unsure about the definition of psychological health, you can visit the Ohio University website for more information.

Depressive symptoms were more common among respondents whose household had financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exposure to domestic violence and abuse was associated with an increased risk of depression. Participants who felt unwell were almost three times as likely to experience the symptoms than those who had few isolation measures. Aside from financial concerns, a lack of psychological services in poorer countries may also hamper patients’ ability to seek treatment. Some countries have begun providing psychological support hotlines.

Although there is no universal definition of psychological health, many studies have identified several important factors associated with positive mental health. Among them are happiness, gratitude, and optimism. Other components include a sense of purpose, life satisfaction, and mindfulness. Although prior work has noted conceptual similarities among these facets of psychological health, substantial research suggests that each facet may have different effects on health. The following are some examples of positive psychological health:

The CSA Standard includes the principles of psychological health and safety in the workplace. This Standard is based on the Guide for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (Guarding Minds at Work) by Dr. Samra. This guide is an excellent resource for workplaces and is a step in ensuring the health and safety of workers. Achieving a high-performing workplace will benefit both the workers and the organization. When it comes to the health and safety of your employees, psychological health and wellbeing are essential for a healthy work environment.

To maximize the effectiveness of psychological health programs, the DHS should evaluate their current and future programs. When developing new programs, DHS should conduct a psychological need assessment, develop specific definitions for each program type, and monitor programs on a regular basis. It should develop collaborative networks with its programs to enhance quality. Every psychological health program should include an evaluation process that involves developing criteria to measure effectiveness, ensuring the collection of consistent data across programs, and implementing quality improvement processes. Formal evaluations may also be conducted by an external organization.

DHS should ensure all employees have access to psychological health support. This includes providing each component agency with a licensed mental health care provider trained in the unique stressors faced by employees. Additionally, DHS components should develop formal peer-support policies for employees and make sure that peer supporters receive effective training and refresher training. Further, DHS should replace debriefings with mental health first-aid approaches. It is imperative that these programs be effective and sustainable.