We want to know: how has your work or workplace supported your mental health?

Work, for many people, is something of a double-edged sword. It can be great for our mental health, giving us purpose, contributing towards our self-worth and a chance to connect with others and with the world.

But it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. For some, it contributes towards developing, or worsening, mental health challenges. It’s something that many of us spend a long time doing, whether out in community, in an office or – increasingly – at home. With that in mind, this year’s World Mental Health Day – which is organised by the Mental Health Foundation – zooms in on the topic of mental health at work. 

Some 15% of UK workers are estimated to have an existing mental health condition, while 875,000 reported experiencing work-related stress, depression and anxiety in 2022/23. The 5th most common reason for sickness absence in the UK 2022 was mental health challenges. 

So what does a mentally healthy workplace look like? The Mental Health Foundation’s list of characteristics includes giving staff mental health training, as well as effectively tackling discrimination and bullying. Importantly, a healthy workplace supports open conversations about mental health, say experts.

Have you sought out a career that you genuinely love? Picked a position that minimises stress? Or found ways to cope in a high-pressured work environment? 

We’d like to hear about your experiences. What has helped you to thrive at work? Perhaps you’ve had a particularly supportive manager or colleague? Or have you developed habits – a book or a podcast during your commute or an hourly five-minute movement break – that have helped to keep stressors in perspective?

What about your choice of job in the first place? Have you sought out a career that you genuinely love? Did you pick a position that minimises stress? Or have you found ways to cope in a high-pressured work environment? Perhaps you’ve made a huge leap jobwise that’s worked well for you?

Have you noticed improvements in the perception of mental health at work over time? Is there less stigma today? Or have policies such as flexible working helped you to bring your best self to your work? 

We’d love to hear from you using the form below, for a future article. We won’t be able to publish all the answers, but we will read them. 

Main image: Julia Amaral