This year, World Mental Health Day celebrates its 25th anniversary on 10th October 2017. Following Lynda Sibson's article last month, it's clear that the mental health of workers in health and social care is in need of attention. This year's theme, ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’, promotes the positive impact of wellbeing on staff and the care they deliver.
One in four adults will experience mental health difficulties in their lifetime. However, prejudice and discrimination present barriers that can potentially deprive people of their dignity. Ensuring that dignity in mental health care becomes a reality requires action in the community and, most importantly, in the workplace.
This year's theme is apt for paramedics as often, mental health is overlooked, rather than being recognised as an essential element of an employees' overall health. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) (2017) notes that depression is, globally, the leading cause of illness and disability. Employees who have experienced depression or other mental health disorders may be unable to continue working or are less productive, affecting both their coworkers and patient care. Many mental illnesses are treatable but, owing to accessibility problems and stigma, staff may be hindered from seeking services—even in those places where they are available.
Terror attacks in Manchester and London, and the Grenfell Tower disaster, have exposed paramedics to unparalleled levels of relentless trauma. In the aftermath, some are reluctant to seek help in fear that it will count against them. Nevertheless, providing the best mental health care for paramedics and other health and social care practitioners is just as important as providing care for any life-threatening physical health problem encountered in the line of duty.
Through research and our understanding of the brain, conditions can be diagnosed and treated effectively with the majority of those recovering, leading fulfilling lives, and being productive citizens in their communities. ‘Parity of esteem’ values mental health equally with physical health. This principle was enshrined in law by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and is evident in the NHS Constitution. The provision of high-quality mental health care is not an ‘added extra’. Failure to offer necessary services will thwart all efforts in achieving better access to mental health services by 2020 (DH, 2014).
World Mental Health Day aims to raise an awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health problems can live with dignity. Employees, employers and organisations must work together. Paying lip service and ticking boxes is no longer acceptable; a commitment is required that can be developed and, above all, sustained.