James Storrar

Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace for Managers. Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace for Managers. ©EiETraining2025 Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace for Managers. Index Page Lesson 1: Understanding Mental Health and Mental Ill Health Objectives: Define mental health and mental ill health, identify common mental health disorders, Content:    Introduction to mental health and mental ill health Overview of common mental health disorders. (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) & Signs and symptoms of mental ill health Impact of mental ill health on individuals and society Lesson 2: Promoting Positive Mental Health in the Workplace Objectives: Understand the importance of promoting positive mental health in the workplace, learn strategies to create a supportive work environment. Content:    Importance of mental health in the workplace Strategies for promoting positive mental health (e.g. mental health policies, employee assistance programs) Role of managers and HR in supporting mental health Lesson 3: Managing Staff Experiencing Mental Ill Health Objectives: Learn how to support staff experiencing mental ill health, understand legal and ethical considerations. Content:     Identifying signs of mental ill health in employees Approaching and communicating with affected staff Legal and ethical considerations Providing accommodations and support ©EiETraining2025 Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace for Managers. Lesson 4: Managing Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace & Improving Your Mental Health Objectives: Identify stress and anxiety triggers, learn stress management techniques, and apply selfcare strategies. Content:     Understanding stress and anxiety in the workplace Common triggers and their impact on productivity Stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, time management) Strategies for improving personal mental health and well-being Lesson 5: Designing a Health improvement and prevention Plan for your workplace Objectives: Participants will create a comprehensive Health Improvement and Prevention Plan tailored to their workplace, incorporating at least three evidence-based strategies to addre ss identified health risks and improve overall employee well-being Content:     Understanding stress and anxiety in the workplace Common triggers and their impact on productivity Stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, time management) Strategies for improving personal mental health and well-being Assessment: Multiple choice Quiz on key concepts ©EiETraining2025 Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace for Managers. Lesson 1: Understanding Mental Health and Mental Ill Health Objectives: Define mental health and mental ill health, identify common mental health disorders, Content:     Introduction to mental health and mental ill health Overview of common mental health disorders. (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) Signs and symptoms of mental ill health Impact of mental ill health on individuals and society ©EiETraining2025 Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace for Managers. Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Ill Health Mental health is an integral component of overall health and well-being. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. Mental well-being is best understood as a continuum that can range from optimal mental health to severe mental ill health. This continuum is dynamic and can be influenced by daily life events, both positive and negative. Mental ill health refers to conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, mood, or behaviour. These conditions can be occasional or long-lasting (chronic) and can affect someone's ability to relate to others and function each day. Mental illness is an extension of the concept of the mental health continuum. It often manifests as an amplified response to stressors from both home and work environments. Definition Of Mental Health: To begin to understand Mental Health and Mental Ill Health, we need to understand what is this thing called mental health, and how more importantly regardless of how we feel or think about it personally, what the larger majority of people understand about the few but very powerful words. Below is a definition which is often used to describe mental health issues, it was agreed on in 1947 by the nations that sit in the United Nations and are also part of the World Health Organisation, which is an integral part of the UN structure. WHO 1948  “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”  “mental health is the full and harmonious functioning of the whole personality” In other words Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it means feeling good mentally, emotionally, and socially. It’s about overall well-being in these areas. Good mental health involves the full and harmonious functioning of the whole personality, with balanced thoughts, emotions, and behaviours allowing a person to lead a fulfilling and productive life. Once we understand this, we can then understand what constitutes poor mental health and well-being, and also what it means to have a mental illness. ©EiETraining2025 Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace for Managers. Overview of common mental health disorders Understanding common mental health disorders is essential for recognizing the symptoms, providing support, and seeking appropriate treatment. Some of the most common mental health disorders, are: Depression Depression is a pervasive mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities. Symptoms of depression include fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Anxiety Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or anxiety that is difficult to control and interferes with daily life. Symptoms can include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Treatments include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medications, and relaxation techniques. Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypo mania) and lows (depression). During manic episodes, individuals may feel euphoric, full of energy, or unusually irritable. Depressive episodes are similar to those seen in major depression. Treatment typically involves mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and psychotherapy. Other common conditions Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD is a severe anxiety-related disorder marked by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Individuals with OCD may feel compelled to perform certain rituals or routines to ease their anxiety, such as hand washing, checking, or counting. These behaviours can significantly interfere with daily life. Treatment usually includes CBT, specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as violence, natural disasters, or accidents. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Individuals with PTSD may also experience avoidance behaviours, negative changes in mood and ©EiETraining2025