The number of mental health-related absences from work increased in Brazil in 2023
Mental health is already a central theme in the routine of Brazilians, since reconciling personal and professional life is not easy. For many, in fact, optimizing the 168 hours per week is a necessity, but it is not always possible to use them in the desired way, given that 23% of them – or even more – are dedicated exclusively to work. This ensures the well-being in the corporate environment is essential.
The three pillars of well-being
Well beyond the absence of disease, well-being is a state of mental, emotional and physical harmony and balance, therefore, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), to achieve it three pillars are fundamental:
Physical health
Relating to the ability to carry out tasks efficiently and requiring healthy eating, exercise, among others.
Mental health
It requires comparison with oneself, with others and with the surrounding environment, or with emotional, psychological and social balance linked to the physical condition, and vice versa.
Social healthcare
For some, however, surprise refers to the ability to have healthy relationships with friends, family, and community members. As social beings who learn from each other, humans depend on interaction not simply for their own good. intellectual and emotional developmentas to the progress of society and, of course, as an element of general good health.
Why is it necessary to talk about mental health at work?
Several reasons justify the attention to mental health, since in addition to being a common desire among people, it has a direct impact on society. Despite the growing need for dialogue, misinformation on the topic contributes to perpetuating the esteem: talking about mental health today is warning about essential prevention actions.
In the year 2023, Brazil occupied the second position in the standings of the countries that have suffered most from Burnout, a disease that entered the list of occupational diseases in 2022: a survey by the National Association of Occupational Medicine (Anamt) has already highlighted that approximately 30% of Brazilian workers suffer from the syndrome.
- 6 tips from psychologists to deal with pressure and stress.
Also in 2023, data from the Ministry of Social Security indicates this absences from work due to mental health disorders increased by 38%, a worrying scenario. And going back in time, another study, this time from USP, reported that 1 in 4 Brazilians suffered from burnout.
How to take care of your mental well-being
Both professional and personal life must be well defined, however it is impossible to separate them, because one is directly linked to the other. To ensure balance and maintain overall health, it is essential to adopt good practices.
Mental health in personal life
- Train regularly: They are an effective way to reduce stress and improve mood, as the practice releases feel-good hormones.
- Social life matters: meeting friends or being with family, cultivating connections is essential. Take time to share experiences, offer and receive emotional support.
- They have digital limits: The physical and digital universes are a reality, however, boundaries need to be drawn. Connect physically with people and take the opportunity to take care of yourself: the brain receives countless stimuli during the day, it is necessary not to overload it.
- Have time for yourself: Whether it’s relaxing, watching a movie, or enjoying a moment of your own, create the habit of setting aside space and time for yourself.
How to apply emotional intelligence at work? The psychologist explains it.
Mental health in professional life
- Know how to say no: Being available at all times of the day is impossible, so know how to say no and protect your productive capacity and, of course, your well-being.
- Smart breaks: Some professionals apply productivity and attention techniques, like the Pomodoro, the fact is that taking regular breaks is not only important for reducing mental fatigue but can also increase concentration.
- Open communication: being in contact with colleagues and superiors, feedback is increasingly seen in companies as a way to listen to the team and promote a healthy working environment.
- Take care of yourself regularly: Professionals seek relaxation techniques, such as meditation, while others turn to therapies. Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be a taboo, it’s a preventative action.
How companies can participate
Employees are undoubtedly the main asset of a company, so studying ways to take care of them goes beyond attracting and retaining talent, but implies offering something that is already a prerequisite for professionals when choosing opportunities: balance and quality of life. Today companies already bring:
- Wellbeing and mental health programs: implementing and promoting programs to take care of people and their mental health has been common in companies.
- Feedback culture: between colleagues, superiors and subordinates, building a relationship based on education and trust is a crucial factor. Today, companies also use the windows of the year to collect employees’ perceptions about them and, in this way, elaborate the necessary points.
- Leadership training: Training leaders and managers on the importance of mental health is already a reality in the corporate world, not only to recognize signs of stress and anxiety in the team, but also to prepare them for conversations and promote a culture that values ​​well-being and balance.
- Environment and flexibility: good synergy, respect and good communication are elements that make the team highly qualified. Just as trust in the team is necessary, the team must be promoters and foster a healthy environment.
Atma: meditation and well-being
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
