Psychological Health and the Workplace

psychological health

Psychological health is an umbrella term that refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences cognition, perception and behavior, and determines how someone handles stress, interacts with others, and makes decisions. It is vital to overall health and determines an individual’s quality of life.

Mental health issues are complex, and they can impact every aspect of a person’s life, including their job. Fortunately, there are many ways that individuals can improve their mental health, and one of the best is to seek help from a qualified psychologist. A psychologist can teach individuals healthier coping mechanisms and provide them with tools that will improve their quality of life.

Those who struggle with mental illness may find it difficult to complete daily tasks, maintain a healthy lifestyle and develop close relationships. They are more likely to experience negative behaviors, such as substance abuse, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. These issues can also make it difficult to concentrate on work and may negatively impact productivity.

However, with early and consistent treatment — often a combination of medication and psychotherapy — it is possible to manage mental health issues. It is also important to stick with a treatment plan, as not only will it improve symptoms, but it will help prevent relapse.

Individual therapy, or psychotherapy, is a form of mental health treatment that involves talking to a licensed therapist about your feelings and emotions. This is done in a safe, confidential environment and can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. Whether you are struggling with a recent trauma, a major life change, the death of a loved one or depression, psychotherapy can be an effective treatment.

A therapist can provide you with new perspectives, address issues that are holding you back and identify unhealthy patterns of behavior. They can also help you prepare for future events that might cause you emotional distress.

The goal of psychology is to promote, support and enhance a person’s physical, mental and social well-being. Psychological health is an important part of this holistic approach, and addressing psychological risk factors in the workplace can help reduce absenteeism, turnover, health costs, productivity loss and even suicide rates.

A comprehensive, psychologically healthy workplace can significantly improve an organization’s bottom line. By implementing the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, organizations can ensure their employees have access to a healthy work environment that supports their mental health and safety. This will increase job satisfaction, improve productivity and morale, and boost organizational performance. It is imperative to understand that mental health is just as crucial as physical health and should not be treated differently. Providing employees with the right tools and resources is key to ensuring that they have an emotionally safe, mentally healthy workplace. This will allow them to be their best selves in the workplace and achieve a positive, productive life outside of it.