MENTAL hEALTH AWARENESS mONTH 

As we transition from R U Ok? Day, we approach Mental Health Awareness Month and Work Health and Safety Month. It is valuable to acknowledge that Work Health and Safety (WHS) encompasses mental health, highlighting the importance of prioritising mental and physical well-being.

“Self-care is the practice of taking care of ourselves so that we can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well.” (Self-care for mental health and wellbeing, Lifeline, https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/techniques/self-care-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing)

The goal of self-care is to help us feel happy, manage stress, ensure physical and psychological safety, build strong social connections, and lower the risk of disease and illness, as highlighted in Lifeline’s article titled “Self-Care for Mental Health and Wellbeing,”.

Here are some tips to incorporate self-care into your routine:

1. Balanced Diet: Maintain a nutritious diet to support overall health.
2. Resting: Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep.
3. Spending Time with Loved Ones: Nurture your relationships and connect with those who matter to you.
4. Engage in Hobbies: Pursue activities that you enjoy and that bring you joy.
5. Exercise: Exercise releases "feel-good" chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin, which can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost memory.
6. Journaling: Journaling can positively impact mental health by helping you accept and process emotions, reflect, and identify necessary next steps.
7. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and feelings. Taking breaks helps recharge, reset, and enhance productivity and motivation.
8. Seek Support: If feeling overwhelmed, seek support from co-workers or managers to manage your workload and make necessary adjustments.
9. Manage Workload Effectively: Prioritize tasks, use to-do lists and time management tools, and break tasks into smaller steps to handle your workload efficiently.

Mental Health in the Workplace

The workplace often becomes a second home for many, impacting mental health significantly. Supporting mental well-being can improve team morale, reduce burnout, and aid in employee retention. Creating a culture of care involves more than just asking questions; it’s about consistently offering support and resources. Here are some keyways employers and colleagues can promote mental health:

• Open Environment: Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health.
• Encourage Conversation: Regular check-ins with managers can help identify where support may be needed.
• Provide Resources: Offer mental health support options such as guides, tips, mental health services, or hotlines.
• Flexible Work Options: Flexible work arrangements can help employees manage stress and achieve a better work-life balance.
• Promote Self-Care: Encourage practices such as exercise, healthy sleeping habits, a balanced diet, and other self-care methods.

Integrating these self-care practices can make a significant difference in managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook. For example, it’s found that setting aside time for regular exercise and journaling can help you stay grounded during busy periods.

As we move forward into Mental Health Awareness Month, let's remember the importance of checking in with ourselves and others. By encouraging a supportive environment and practicing self-care, we can enhance our overall well-being and contribute to a healthier, more compassionate community.

Let’s take this opportunity to prioritise mental health—both for ourselves and those around us. If you or someone you know could use a check-in or some support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a positive impact on mental health and well-being.

Resources

"What Is Mindfulness?", Headspace

https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/mindfulness-101

"How To Be Mindful At Work", Headspace
https://www.headspace.com/work/mindfulness-at-work

"Self-care for mental health and wellbeing", Lifeline

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/techniques/self-care-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing

rEFERENCES

"Self-care for mental health and wellbeing", Lifeline

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/techniques/self-care-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing

"5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health", Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D., Scientifically reviewed by Saima Latif, Ph.D., 14 May 2018
https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/#benefits

"What Is Mindfulness?", and "Mental health at work: policy brief", Environment, Climate Change and Health (ECH), Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use (MSD), World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944

"WHO and ILO call for new measures to tackle mental health issues at work" World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2022-who-and-ilo-call-for-new-measures-to-tackle-mental-health-issues-at-work

"Reports on workplace mental health and the impact of stress.", World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/world-mental-health-report

"Research on stress management and mental health.", American Psychological Association (APA)
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health

Tradies National Health Month

August is Tradies National Health Month (TNHM), an important initiative led by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) to promote the health and well-being of tradies across the country. At APG Workforce, our HSEQ team supports this cause, ensuring that our tradespeople remain safe, healthy, and capable of meeting Australia's growing demands.

Why Tradies' Health Is Crucial in 2024

In 2024, Australia faces a critical trade shortage accompanied by a housing crisis, making the health and safety of tradies more important than ever. The physical demands of their work can lead to serious health issues, which is why the APA established TNHM—to raise awareness and provide solutions to these challenges.

APG Workforce’s Commitment to Tradies’ Health and Safety

At APG Workforce, the health and safety of our employees are our top priorities. Our Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) team is dedicated to ensuring that every employee we place through our labour hire and recruitment services is equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to work safely and effectively.
 

Toolbox Talks

A key component of our safety strategy is the implementation of regular toolbox talks. These talks are integral to our approach, offering our employees crucial information about workplace safety. They are designed to help employees understand the specific risks associated with their roles and provide practical advice on how to mitigate these risks. By conducting these toolbox talks consistently, we reinforce our commitment to the health and well-being of our workforce.

• Preventing Injuries: Insight into safe working techniques that help employees avoid common injuries and reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
• Early Intervention: Addressing pain and discomfort promptly can prevent the onset of chronic conditions that might affect an employee’s ability to work effectively in the long term.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: Effective pain management enables employees to stay productive and enjoy their daily activities without the persistent burden of discomfort.
• Supporting Career Longevity: As they age, physiotherapists assist them in adapting their work habits to minimize injury risks, thereby helping to extend their careers and maintain their quality of life.

At APG Workforce, we are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our tradespeople and labourers. Our commitment to participating in Tradies National Health Month showcases our dedication to supporting the well-being of tradies across Australia.

^References

^{APA | Tradies National Health Month (australian.physio)}