10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day. Levels of psychological distress and mental ill health are rising internationally in the wake of Covid-19. A combination of challenging factors detailed in the diagram will affect the whole UK economy and have a major knock-on effect on mental health.
Social isolation, anxiety, fear of contagion, uncertainty, chronic stress and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of depressive, anxiety, substance use and other psychiatric disorders in vulnerable populations including individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and people who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas.
We have attached a link to a suicide prevention toolkit for your information. We cannot underestimate the need for employers to arrange Mental Health training in the workplace so that you are better prepared to identify the signs of mental ill health and proactively adopt a mentally healthy workplace. Moonstir can offer this training.
However, if you are immediately concerned about an employee, please talk to them openly to offer support. Arrange for them to see their GP, ask them to call Samaritans 116 123 or Breathing Space 0800 838587 and talk to your HR department.
For counselling, refer to your Employee Assistance Programme and if you don't have this in place, consider setting up services with Moonstir so your employees have access to counselling when needed. We can arrange solutions focused therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to meed your employee's needs.
Being positive about people and psychology means being patient, present and professional in our support to meet your employee's needs. Email morag@moonstir.co.uk if you'd like to talk further about how we can help.
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