WE are living in an era in which there are many expectations about women’s roles and contributions in the context of work, family and society. These days, women are identified as multitaskers and trendsetters. And more and more women are emerging as successful leaders in industries and organisations worldwide.
However, despite the success and recognition obtained, many women are still not open about mental health challenges they might face, especially in the workplace.
Depression is one of the mental health problems haunting women in today’s world, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO’s report found that 41.9% of women suffer depressive disorders compared with 29.3% men. Depression is consistently reported to be doubly as common in women then men globally.
Causes of depression among working women are commonly related to stress from multiple work responsibilities, hormonal fluctuations, lack of social support, physical abuse and traumatic life experiences.
Workplace support is critical to help women overcome mental health issues caused by their job. The first step towards managing mental health in the workplace is to identify the signals of mental health problems, such as avoiding interaction with co-workers; outbursts and mood swings; and changes in working habits, physical appearance, enthusiasm for work and demeanour.
An immediate response to changes in behaviour at the workplace may lower the risk of mental health issues among women. As such, building a support system within the organisation can be an effective way to help women who might be suffering in silence.
Organisations should focus on the “buddy system” to help women to confront workplace-related issues. The trust and confidence built by a buddy system would possibly lead to a more positive work culture.
Apart from that, providing access to industrial or psychological counselling experts should be a priority in every organisation. Women suffering from psychological problems should be given professional attention. Since most working women spend a lot of time at work, the availability of a counsellor at the workplace is crucial.
The statement that “No one can help you unless you help yourself first” is very true when it comes to managing one’s mental health. But when women are not seeking the right help, organisations should come forward to help these employees to overcome their mental health problems.
A proactive approach and professional support by the management can have a huge impact on managing the mental health of working women. When this happens, we can truly celebrate women’s achievements in workplace while calling for greater equality.
DR KAVITHA RAMAN
Melaka
However, despite the success and recognition obtained, many women are still not open about mental health challenges they might face, especially in the workplace.
Depression is one of the mental health problems haunting women in today’s world, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO’s report found that 41.9% of women suffer depressive disorders compared with 29.3% men. Depression is consistently reported to be doubly as common in women then men globally.
Causes of depression among working women are commonly related to stress from multiple work responsibilities, hormonal fluctuations, lack of social support, physical abuse and traumatic life experiences.
Workplace support is critical to help women overcome mental health issues caused by their job. The first step towards managing mental health in the workplace is to identify the signals of mental health problems, such as avoiding interaction with co-workers; outbursts and mood swings; and changes in working habits, physical appearance, enthusiasm for work and demeanour.
An immediate response to changes in behaviour at the workplace may lower the risk of mental health issues among women. As such, building a support system within the organisation can be an effective way to help women who might be suffering in silence.
Organisations should focus on the “buddy system” to help women to confront workplace-related issues. The trust and confidence built by a buddy system would possibly lead to a more positive work culture.
Apart from that, providing access to industrial or psychological counselling experts should be a priority in every organisation. Women suffering from psychological problems should be given professional attention. Since most working women spend a lot of time at work, the availability of a counsellor at the workplace is crucial.
The statement that “No one can help you unless you help yourself first” is very true when it comes to managing one’s mental health. But when women are not seeking the right help, organisations should come forward to help these employees to overcome their mental health problems.
A proactive approach and professional support by the management can have a huge impact on managing the mental health of working women. When this happens, we can truly celebrate women’s achievements in workplace while calling for greater equality.
DR KAVITHA RAMAN
Melaka
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