WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – OCTOBER 10, 2017

This day may seem like another day in the calendar; while in fact; it is one of the most important days for your well-being! Mental health and psycho-social wellness is, unfortunately, often overlooked; or viewed as a minor illness that only crazy people suffer from.

A lot of people do not understand the importance of mental health; in fact; a lot of people suffer from some sort of a mental health disorder and are sadly not aware!
Psychological illnesses are most often misdiagnosed; thus become erroneously treated as they then manifest as a psychosomatic disorder. This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’!
I personally got excited when the theme was unveiled; as the workplace is the one place most people spend a greater part of their lives. Even if you work an 8 -5 job; the time you will spend interacting with your family is very minimal, as most of the remaining hours are used to sleep. So basically; Mental Health in the Workplace is a very imperative issue that should be acknowledged, appreciated and made a priority.

It has been significantly proven to me that no matter how much you may wish to perform optimally at work; if you are not mentally or psychologically stable; your efforts will be futile; if not cause more stress; as the desired outcome will not be accomplished. Mental health and psycho-social wellness does not mean that one is ‘crazy’, it simply means that your intra-psychic structure is not balanced; due to various reasons, and in most cases; you will not be able to realise it nor do something about it. So many people have lost their jobs due to neglecting their emotional wellness. A lot of people inflict pain on others; just to try and boost their own fragile egos at work.

Most occupational mistakes have happened at work due to mental and psychological instability; which sadly could have been prevented. A substantial number of people literally get sick when they think of going back to work after a refreshing weekend. A lot of people would do anything to get another job; as the office is toxic; but due to financial needs; one endures the horror of spending a greater part of their day in a demeaning; destructive and ever discouraging jobs!

I highly commend all the companies, organisations, institutions and individuals that offer emotional wellness programmes to its most precious asset; human capital. This includes you ensuring that your house helper is emotionally well. It is disturbing to hear most executives saying these wellness programmes are a waste of time and money; while it is actually the contrary. If you invest in a wellness programme; your staff will be highly motivated and stress free; thus increasing productivity which will in turn enhance your company.  I highly recommend it to those that still do not have wellness programmes.

 In closing; I would like to urge each and every worker; be it a gardener, teacher, doctor, cleaner etc, to take care and be cognisant of their own emotions. Far too much violence has happened in our once famously known kingdom for its peace and friendly nation. As it is World Mental Health Day today; I urge you to introspect deeply. Discover who you are, and worse; what this cruel world has turned you out to be. It’s not too late to change; honesty is key here. Should you find yourself to be a terrible boss; a lazy secretary, a bully in the factory, or trouble maker and gossip queen in the office; do not despair; realising the problem makes the solution half done. Let’s create a conducive workplace for all; this will invariably spill over to a peaceful Swaziland.

Ndo Mdlalose
Transitions Founder and President

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