Recent research has shed new light on the critical importance of providing mentally healthy workplaces for business professionals in 2019.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that mental and behavioural health conditions were the most prevalent chronic illnesses recorded throughout Australia in 2018, leaving more than four million Australians suffering from anxiety and depression.

With workplace mental illness costing the economy over $60 billion per year, it’s time that Australian businesses start to focus on investing additional resources on the development of effective mental health workplace strategies.

Founder of Breathing Space Counselling Practice, Gabriel Edwards, says

CEOs and executives have the greatest influence and impact on the state of an organisation’s mental health and wellbeing, and are rightly required to drive the many mental health initiatives being rolled out across a growing number of organisations.”

In many organisations, however, ongoing stress, late nights and a lack of adequate support can contribute to poor mental health outcomes for senior staff and leaders. Research shows that CEOs and Executives are loathe to utilise standard company EAP services when (not if) they need support. They don’t trust the confidentiality of a company-wide counselling service – an irrational but understandable fear – and they lack confidence in the ability of some call centre counsellors to understand the unique context that Business Leaders live and work within – a reasonable assumption. However, Ms Edwards says:

The top team must live and breathe a commitment to the principles that support and enable positive mental health … they’re the role models for all values and behaviours throughout an organisation.” 

The Australian Government and Productivity Commission have confirmed the importance of exploring the role of mental health in the Australian economy over the next four years as well as the most effective ways to support and improve national mental wellbeing.

I welcome the recent wave of awareness and support for mentally healthy workplaces. The discussions, the programs, and funding being applied to creating mentally healthy workplaces is encouraging, especially given Australia’s concerning suicide rates. But I worry about the gap in support and resources for our top-tier leaders” says Ms Edwards.

Having provided support and treatment to senior leaders and CEOs across Australia, Gabriel Edwards is well-versed at creating healthy work environments, starting with the CEO and Executive team:

As a counsellor specialising in working with high performing professionals in the business arena, I provide a safe confidential space for leaders to drop the game face. To stop, check in, and reflect on the state of their health, their relationships, and their peace of mind.”

Breathing Space offers an exclusive counselling service and a range of resources to Boards,
CEOs and their teams:

• One on one confidential counselling for issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, anger and career transition, as well as coping with the pressures of work when faced with a life crisis such as divorce, death of a family member, illness etc
• 24 hour on-call crisis counselling
• Crisis debrief for individuals and Leadership Teams
• Coaching leaders to manage crisis situations with employees
• Regular tactical debriefing for leaders managing complex high profile issues/crises
• Developing robust leadership team mental health: developing values, creating positive relationships, conflict resolution etc.
• Bespoke learning experiences and resources to address issues and topics specific to the team and/or the organisation
• Creating mentally healthy workplace strategies – starting with the leadership team
• Tracking and Reporting team and organisation issues and trends.

Into the Wild

In September every year, Gabriel runs a Leadership Mental Health retreat called ‘Into the Wild’
specifically designed for Leaders. Into the Wild embraces and explores the following core belief
within a natural wilderness setting:

You are more than the job you do each day…more than the next deadline, project or
problem. When we embrace this truth, we become better professionals!”

Further Information

For a confidential counselling session, contact Gabriel Edwards, Founder and Principal Counsellor at Breathing Space:

• Phone: +61 4085 56264
• Email: space@gabrieledwards.com.au

Gabriel Edwards possesses strong counselling skills and 25 years senior leadership and Board experience across the private, public and NFP sectors.

A purpose-made CV and cover letter from beyondblue provides Australian businesses with skills to create mentally healthy workplaces!

beyondblue has launched its fourth Heads Up campaign by responding to a series of live job advertisements to give Australian businesses the tools to create mentally healthy workplaces.

More than 12 million people spend one-third of their week at work and 1 in 5 employed Australians experience a mental health issue. The imaginative campaign enlivens the traditional hiring process by engaging managers and professional leaders in a surprising, yet simple way.

This year’s Heads Up campaign ensures HR professionals and business owners have the information and tools to foster a mentally healthy work environment. The information is presented in a handy CV and cover letter application, which outlines the nine attributes of a healthy workplace.

beyondblue delivered the ‘mock’ job applications to companies currently hiring across HR and recruitment, management and telecommunications, health and education, media and publishing, and finance and law.

Heads Up takes an educational approach to workplace health – and this year is no different,” says beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman.

We’re excited to see the recipients’ reactions to our ‘mock’ job applications from beyondblue. It’s an engaging and creative way to bring a serious and hugely important topic into conversation.

Heads Up is for big and small businesses alike, from sole traders to multinational corporations. No matter the business size, the role of leaders is crucial to create and sustain positive mental health.

Through Heads Up, we also have a host of online materials, backed by evidence-based information, tools and resources to help businesses manage mental health and employee wellbeing.”

Heads Up has accessible resources for employers, employees, managers and small business owners.

Further Information

To find out more, visit headsup.org.au

Download your copy of Developing a workplace mental health strategy: A how-to guide for organisations.

To learn more about beyondblue, visit beyondblue.org.au.

If you, or someone you know, needs to speak with a mental health professional contact beyondblue’s free Support Service.

• Phone 24/7 on 1300 224 636 or
• Online chat at beyondblue.org.au/get-support (3PM – 12AM AEST)

Last week, another paramedic was assaulted on the job amid growing public outcries over attacks on emergency workers, with the government being put under major pressure to toughen the law.

Between 2009-2014, more than 24,500 healthcare employees reported being a victim of a violent incident at work. By February this year, 6,245 code blacks were reported in South Australian public hospitals for 2016-17, compared to 4,765 at the same time in 2015-16. As much as 90% of emergency department staff have experienced some type of violence over the course of their professional career.

In 1999, the Australian Institute of Criminology ranked the health industry as the most violent workplace in the country. US statistics reveal that healthcare workers are 5 to 12 times more likely than other industries to experience violence in the workplace.

Intoxicated patients have assaulted more than 9 in 10 emergency nurses and doctors in the last twelve months. So what more can, and should, be done to protect vital healthcare workers from experiencing violence, and the threat of violence, at work? This piece explores these questions.

Doctor / patient relationships: Built on trust, morphing into fear

In the early 20th century, the philosophy underpinning doctor-patient relationships was a paternalistic model. But this has since evolved into a more collaborative approach.

This contemporary model, reinforced by cases such as Rogers v Whitaker, involves the sharing of information, doctor-patient collaboration, and mutual agreement on a proposed treatment plan. There has, however, been a noticeable shift in community attitudes towards the medical profession, with many patients appearing dismissive of medical advice and preferring information found on the internet.

High-profile Sydney orthopaedic surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis, an Iraqi refugee, faced ongoing online abuse, harassment, defamatory comments and death threats from a patient over a period of years. The patient claimed that Dr Al Muderis botched a hip operation procedure, which reduced sensation to his penis and testicles. There was no evidence to support the patient’s claims and any medical negligence or wrongdoing was discounted by the Health Care Complaints Commission. Dr Muderis was awarded $480,000 in damages for defamation after the judge described him as the “perfect plaintiff”.

In an already challenging profession, where clinicians experience high rates of depression and suicide, are we doing enough to protect Australian healthcare professionals?

Recent high profile tragedies such as the one punch attack of Dr Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann and the shocking killing of Gayle Woodford clearly demonstrate that current practices are inadequate.

Mental health concerns rapidly on the rise

The health and welfare of Australian medical practitioners is not only being influenced by physical violence but also by non-physical forms of abuse such as aggressive language and intimidating behaviour.

According to HeadsUp’s Final Report on Workplace Bullying in Australia, employees who are bullied have an increased risk of suffering from serious mental health conditions.

As has been extensively documented, health professionals (and students) are already at a heightened risk of mental health issues, depression and suicide.

Lack of appropriate support is a common obstacle for medical staff seeking mental health assistance.

Some commentators believe that mandatory reporting laws, which came into effect in 2010, have a chilling effect on addressing mental health concerns among medical practitioners. At a basic level, these laws require GPs and other doctors to report concerns relating to ‘fitness to practice’ in fellow health professionals, including ‘problems’ such as mental health issues.

Against the backdrop of mandatory reporting legislation, practitioners may be hesitant to access mental health support if it will mean a ‘black mark’ against their name. It is also a significant barrier to adequately addressing violence against health staff.

A 2009 Senate Inquiry into the then proposed mandatory reporting laws demonstrated concerns that the legislation would discourage practitioners from seeking mental health treatment, and that exemptions from mandatory reporting should be created for treating health practitioners. Western Australia is the only jurisdiction where such recommendations have been implemented and national mandatory reporting laws remain an ongoing concern among the medical profession.

Law reform to protect practitioners

On Monday this week, Cabinet agreed that any attack on Victoria’s emergency service workers would be treated as a category-one offence (the same as murder and rape) by the courts under tough reforms to be imposed by the State Government.

Elsewhere, criticism of national mandatory reporting laws has been picked up by politicians.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) announced its intention to work with State and Territory health departments, as well as the Australian Medical Association (AMA), to provide national legislative protection for doctors seeking treatment for mental health and stress-related conditions.

Following the 13 April 2018 COAG meeting, Ministers unanimously agreed to remove barriers for health practitioners seeking treatment for their own mental health conditions. However, both the AMA and the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners have been concerned about the wording of the COAG statement, with too much room for doubt and confusion as to how affected practitioners would be handled.

The government has investigated the need for further reforms in regard to practitioner mental health, as well as the protection of hospital staff from violence.

The NSW Inquiry into Violence Against Emergency Services Personnel recently published recommendations acknowledging the high levels of violence against emergency services personnel and made nearly fifty recommendations to improve the safety of emergency staff. The government has since responded to these recommendations.

Conclusion

The rise of violence against hospital staff and the deleterious impact that physical and emotional abuse can have on a medical practitioner’s safety and wellbeing is starting to receive the community and political acknowledgment it deserves.

It is imperative that both healthcare workers and the broader community continue to apply pressure on the government to make urgent reforms in this space lest health practitioners are physically and mentally destroyed by their working environment and the public they serve.

I can’t do it anymore, I’m not good enough, this is too difficult.”

Do you ever experience any of these thoughts, particularly when exams are just around the corner, or when you have not started an assessment that is due less than 24 hours away?

If you answered yes, then you could be headed towards burnout.

As a university student, you may feel constant pressure to do well and to work hard. In the midst of juggling study, work and social commitments it is not surprising that many students forget to take care of their physical health and mental wellbeing.

Around the country, many students are experiencing increasingly high baseline levels of daily stress and anxiety but are, perhaps, unable to identify the root cause.

It is therefore important to be able to recognise the early warning signs which may indicate that you, or someone you know, is suffering from a mental health imbalance.

Below is a quick checklist for some of the most common symptoms of deeper underlying issues.

Physical Signs Of Anxiety Or Stress

Some common physical signs of anxiety or stress are:

• Exhaustion
• Feeling nervous
• Insomnia, or sleeping too much
• Loss of weight and appetite
• Headaches
• Neck tension
• Stomach upset or nervous stomach
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Prefering to stay at home

Emotional Signs Of Anxiety Or Stress

Some common emotional signs of anxiety or stress are:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling tense and jumpy
• Expecting the worst
• Feeling restless
• Feeling miserable/irritable
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Frustration
• Disappointment in yourself

If you have noticed recognisable changes to your general state of mind or to your physical wellbeing that lasts longer than a few days, it is vital that you take positive steps and do something about it.

If you are still unsure whether you are suffering from anxiety or stress, complete BeyondBlue’s anxiety and depression checklist. 

Five quick and positive steps you can take today to help with depressive thoughts, anxiety or stress can be found below.

1. Seek Help

Every university has a counselling centre or a wellbeing society.

Make good use of free resources that are available to you. Seeking help does mean that you are a failure or can’t ‘tough it out’ on your own. It means that you are self-aware enough to recognise your limitations.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that you are not the only one experiencing anxious thoughts. Sooner or later, life has a way of knocking every one of us down to the point where we feel like we cannot get up again. This is a normal and natural part of being a twenty-or thirty-something. The important thing is that you do get up.

Understand that others, such as friends of family may, through their own life experiences, be in a better position to give you strategies to cope. Our personal experiences don’t always equip us to deal with particular types of stress, so speaking with someone who has been through something similar can help you to get back on the right track quicker and easier.

You may also meet someone going through a similarly stressful time who can relate to your experiences and offer support and friendship.

If you feel uncomfortable talking with a counsellor or other professional, Lifeline and Beyondblue provide 24 hour anonymous support either over the phone or online chat.

2. Take a Break

Remember that you’re only human.

Our bodies need rest to perform at their best. Nobody can work or study non-stop and expect terrific results every time.

Taking a break gives your brain time to recalibrate. It refreshes your thinking and helps you to see your situation with a fresh eyes and a fresh perspective.

3. Sleep!

Get plenty of sleep (at least 7 hours per night) and cut down your afternoon intake of caffeine.

Try to switch to decaf or herbal tea from 2pm. Many students get into the habit of leaving assessment or study until the last minute and pull an ‘all nighter’ to finish. Chronic sleep deprivation can, however, seriously damage your mental and physical health as well as diminish the quality of your work.

And why risk a bad mark, or compromise your mental health, with something that is as easily manageable as getting enough sleep?

If you can muster the willpower, avoid blue light from electronic devices like phones, tablets and laptops a few hours before bed. Experiment with apps like Sleep Cycle which help track your sleep patterns and monitor the quality of your sleep.

4. Try Yoga Or Meditation

Yoga and meditation are great ways to reconnect the mind and body, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress or fatigue.

Spending 15-20 minutes doing yoga or going for a quick walk or run during a study break can drastically lower stress levels, get your blood flowing, refocus your mind and improve concentration. Daily Yoga is a fantastic free app with over 500 yoga poses and instructions.

It’s great for study life and also life in general. Develop strength and flexibility and get into fantastic shape!

For a quick mental holiday, get into the habit of using apps like Stop Breathe Think, Smiling Mind, Simple Habit or Zen. You can check-in with how you’re feeling at any given moment and try short activities tuned into your emotions. Just 10 minutes of guided meditations per day has been proven to significantly reduce stress levels by proactively managing the way you deal with negative or overwhelming thoughts and feelings.

One practical strategy to minimise the impact of anxious thoughts is to put those thoughts on paper.
Set aside 15 minutes every night before bed to write down whatever is bothering you. It could be an upcoming exam, an overwhelming study schedule or general life pressure.

Seeing your fears or worries written down removes their power and unburdens your mind from its need to hold onto them.

5. Eat Healthy  

Midnight Maccas runs and dinners consisting of instant noodles always seem like a good idea at the time. But a few seconds of instant gratification with cheap junk food can mean that you are jeopardising your physical and mental health.

According to Dr Hyun Shin from the Harvard School of Public Health:

Although instant noodles are a convenient and delicious food, there could be an increased risk for metabolic syndrome given the food’s high sodium, unhealthy saturated fat and glycemic loads”.

High sodium foods have also been linked with heart disease and other serious health problems.

Not feeding your body the nutrients it needs to succeed is like pouring sand into an engine and expecting it to perform well. Recent studies indicate just how important healthy gut bacteria is for our overall health, including mood and mental health.

To effectively manage stress during exam period, it’s critical to spend the extra time preparing meals for the week and feeding your body the right fuel to succeed. Think tuna, rye bread, quinoa, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, and other superfoods that will boost your energy, focus and happiness and reduce stress.

If you are stuck for recipe ideas, the Women’s Weekly Super Foods for Exam Success book is a great place to start. HelloFresh delivers healthy ingredients straight to your door, and Youfoodz even prepares and delivers fresh meals, so all you need to do is factor in time to sit down and eat properly.

Conclusion

The next time you experience stress or anxious feelings that you cannot seem to switch off, try some of the above strategies as a first step.

Keep in mind that stress and worry are our brain’s way of working through problems – real or perceived. The more you worry about something, the more value your brain assigns that worry as a big problem that needs to be solved.

If you really want to stop worrying about something, you have to deal with it head-on.

Either write down what is troubling you; adopt healthy incremental lifestyle changes, such as eating healthfully, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep; talk about your problems with friends (who are likely to be feeling the same way as you) or seek professional help from a university counsellor or anonymous national helpline.

University is one of the best times of your life, so remember to keep things in perspective and proactively care for yourself and your friends. When it comes to the pressures of student life, try not to assign too much value or stress on getting perfect grades, performing perfectly or acing assessments.

Things are never as bad as they may seem at the time and, importantly, this stressful period in your life is only temporary.

Further Information

• Monkey Mind: A Memoir on Anxiety by Daniel Smith
• Things Might Go Terribly Wrong: A Guide to Life Liberated from Anxiety by Troy DuFrene
• The Worry Cure by Robert L. Leahy
• Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence by Rick Hanson

What strategies do you use to cope with stress or anxious thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!