Acas publishes mental health resources for 'Blue Monday'

Workplace legislation expert Acas is urging bosses to check in on staff mental health today, 'Blue Monday', as well as throughout the year.

The third Monday in January (today) was nicknamed 'Blue Monday' in a marketing campaign, to reflect the mental health challenges of cold weather, maintaining New Year's resolutions and managing Christmas expenses.

However, calls to the Acas helpline reveal a rise in mental health related calls in autumn/winter compared to spring/summer.

To support mental health, Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces Julie Dennis advises employers to create an environment where staff can openly talk about their mental health, and it publishes a range of workplace resources. People are encouraged to support their own mental health through self-help measures such as::

Talk to people you work with or friends about how you’re feeling
Speak to your manager about how you’re doing, your situation, and ask what support is available
Reflect on what helps you feel more positive and what does not
Make time for activities you enjoy.

The BMA publishes advice on healthy work-life balance and suicide prevention during economic crises.

The DDA has added mental health resources to its Links page.

According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 3,000 people on average die by suicide daily. Medical defence association MDDUS, (the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland) also notes that doctors and nurses are twice and four times as likely (respectively) to die by suicide compared to other professions in the UK. A recent survey cites pressures in general practice such as high workloads, poor support structures, verbal and physical abuse by patients, and burnout.

For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives, WHO states. About one million people die by suicide each year. Suicide is considered a major preventable cause of premature death.

HR Zone news