MENTAL HEALTH AND WORK

Stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges are commonly experienced by many in the workplace. Whether you are a school leaver starting an apprenticeship or a top-level manager with years of work experience, the chances are you have experienced feeling unsettled or overwhelmed by work.

Most employers know how important it is to support the mental health of their staff. Many have undertaken mental health awareness or mental aid first aid training because they attach the same importance to mental health challenges as they would an accident in the workplace. Besides caring about their staff’s wellbeing, employers know a mentally fit team is more productive. The stigma around mental health is declining both in and out of the workplace. As such, any employee should feel able to reach out and ask for support if they face challenges in this area.

One in six workers affected

One in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, in any given week in England. More than 1.5 million days are lost each year to work-related stress. Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, says:

Pioneering regional support 

Here in the Liverpool City Region, employers and employees have access to a wide range of support for mental health in the workplace. There are projects which focus on specific industry sectors, such as Halton Borough Council’s pioneering programme to tackle mental health in construction. In 2024, they became the first council in the country to require main contractors to score the mental health wellbeing of staff and sub-contractors. 

Ways to look after your mental health at work

1. Make sure you are getting enough sleep during the night. If not, explore how you can increase the quantity and quality of your sleep – there are many steps you can take. [https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/sleep-problems/about-sleep-and-mental-health/]
2. If you regularly feel overwhelmed or anxious at work, it’s important to speak to someone as soon as possible. Choose someone who you feel comfortable with, such as your manager, a work colleague, or someone in HR. They will be able to support you in practical ways to help you feel better at work.
3. Take your breaks during the day instead of working through them. Taking just ten minutes to sit quietly, preferably somewhere with natural light, can help you return to your role more productive and relaxed.
4. Find your purpose at work. Most employees will have set objectives and workplace goals, and these are what provide a sense of purpose. You should have the opportunity to review your progress in the workplace regularly. This is a great time to discuss any concerns with your manager or ask for specific support in certain areas. Don’t be afraid to ask for reassurance from your manager that you are performing to an acceptable level.
5. Work-life balance is increasingly regarded as essential by employers. Switch off outside work hours and take time to enjoy your passions. Exercise, relaxation, socialising, or pursuing hobbies outside the workplace will help you be calmer and more comfortable at work. 

Support in the region

There are many sources of support for mental health, including specifically for Liverpool City Region residents: 

• The Life Rooms has bases in Walton, Bootle, Belle Vale and Southport. They offer Pathway Advisors who can help you find help to support your specific needs. 
• Pure Insight in Halton provides tailored support for anybody leaving care. They may be able to help you find a mentor to support you through challenging times or to coach you as you enter the world of work.
• Open Door, a Wirral charity, offers the ‘Bazaar’ programme for anybody aged 14-35 who is facing low mood, anxiety, and/or panic attacks.
• Next Chapter helps ‘take your confidence up a notch’ by fostering your self-belief. They are based in Wallasey – find out more on their website [https://nextchapternwcic.co.uk/get-in-touch/]. 
• In Sefton, you can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies here
• There is a list of services providing mental health support in Knowsley on the council website[https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-support]
• Halton Council has a section dedicated to improving mental health in the workplace
• PSS operates in Liverpool city centre, Garston, Belle Vale and Childwall. If your mental health is causing you to take time off work, they have experience in helping you get back to a more normal place. There is a self-referral form at the foot of this page
• St Helens Council coordinate the OK To Ask Campaign for those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

National mental health charity Mind has a website section dedicated to workplace wellbeing.