A. SIGNS
– Feeling sad and depressed for a long time
– Loss of interest in things you used to love.
– Excessive anxiety: Always worrying about the future, difficulty concentrating.
– Sudden mood changes: Irritability, anger or emotion, crying easily.
– Feeling lonely, lost or isolated: Wanting to stay away from people, not wanting to communicate.
2. Behavioral changes:
– Difficulty concentrating: Easily distracted, difficult to complete work.
– Changes in eating and sleeping habits: Eating too much or too little, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
– Withdrawal from social activities: Not wanting to meet or have fun with friends or colleagues.
– Use more stimulants or alcohol to reduce stress or forget sadness.
– Have risky behaviors (eg, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts)
3. Physical changes:
– Constant fatigue, even after getting enough sleep.
– Digestive problems: Abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation.
– Headache, body aches of unknown cause.
4. Changes in work performance:
– Reduced productivity: Difficulty completing work on time.
– Decreased work quality: More mistakes at work.
– Frequent absence: Due to health or personal reasons.
5. Changes in relationships:
– Frequent arguments with colleagues: Relationships become strained.
– Avoid communicating with people: Tend to work alone.
– Difficulty building and maintaining relationships: Finding it difficult to connect with others.
Note that these are just some common signs, and everyone may experience them differently. If you have any concerns about your own mental health or the mental health of someone else, here are some suggestions for you.
B. RECOMMENDATIONS
If you notice yourself or your colleagues exhibiting the above signs, don’t hesitate to try some of the following suggestions:
1. Turn Inward or Simple Self-Care Tips
Maintain a regular lifestyle: Get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.
Learn to relax: Try swimming, walking, yoga, meditation, or other activities you enjoy.
Learn about mindfulness: Helps you pay attention and enjoy what you are doing, both in a static state (sitting still, lying down…) or in a dynamic state (performing daily activities).
2. Look Outside or Seek Support from Around You
Workplace mental health support programs: Many workplaces offer counseling, yoga, and meditation programs to help employees reduce stress.
Friends, family: Share your difficulties with people you trust.
Psychiatric Specialist/Clinic, Hospital: Psychiatrists or psychiatrists can help you clarify, identify the problem and discuss with you appropriate intervention methods.
Remember, mental health matters. And mental health issues are not limited to one gender, one age, or one race. Seeking help when you need it does not make you weak or inadequate; it shows that you have the courage and motivation to help yourself become better./.
Dr. Nguyen Thuy Linh – Examination Department
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-support-mental-health-work
https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/career/mental-health-in-the-workplace