04 Oct BLOG: World Mental Health Day 2024
Did you know that 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives? World Mental Health Day (WMHD) gives us an annual opportunity to raise awareness, break the stigma, and start meaningful conversations about mental health.
This year’s theme for WMHD 2024 is: ‘It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.’ Chosen by over 2,000 participants from 116 countries, this theme highlights the urgent need for better mental health support in work environments worldwide.[1]
Why the Workplace Matters for Mental Health:
Work plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. However, a toxic or unsupportive work environment can lead to significant issues such as anxiety, depression and burnout. In contrast, a healthy work culture not only protects mental wellbeing but also enhances productivity and overall satisfaction.
Oakleaf is committed to fostering a positive workplace environment through a range of initiatives, including Mental Health First Aid training, tailored awareness sessions, and our Mental Health Leaders Network, all designed to enhance wellbeing and support mental health in the workplace.
The Importance of World Mental Health Day:
Millions of people around the world struggle with mental health challenges every day. These powerful statistics show just how critical awareness and support are:
- 1 in 6 people experience a common mental health problem (like anxiety or depression) weekly.[2]
- 75% of mental health issues develop before the age of 24, emphasizing the need for early intervention.[3]
- In th UK, suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 20-34 in the UK, with over 5,000 deaths annually.[4]
- 60% of UK adults with mental health problems received no treatment in the last year.[5]
World Mental Health Day is about more than statistics – it’s about real people and real stories.
Emz’s Story:
One such story is that of Emz, a client at Oakleaf whose life was transformed by accessing the right support. Emz’s journey with mental health challenges began in their teens, struggling with gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, undiagnosed ADHD and emotional trauma. These difficulties took a toll on their ability to maintain stable employment and led to feelings of isolation.
“I couldn’t form lasting relationships and often changed jobs due to mental health declines caused by ‘office politics.’ I could never seem to stick anything out for long. I was highly employable, but struggled to maintain the motivation and enjoyment of each new place I ended up in.”
After years of personal hardship, including an emotionally abusive relationship, the loss of their job, and the loss of a beloved pet, Emz reached out to Oakleaf. Emz shares, “I was too lost to consider it” initially, but after self-referring, they found a supportive community and a variety of wellbeing activities that sparked their healing journey.
“What an amazing ride it has been already! My first month was chocker-block with activities like ‘Managing Stress and Anxiety’ and ‘Somatic Art Therapy’, where I have drawn some of the most meaningful images, providing deep insights into my subconscious.
‘Upholstery’ has been a great feature of my weekly routine, and the pride I felt finishing, stripping and rebuilding a drop seat using traditional techniques was nothing short of amazing. Oakleaf’s ‘Wellbeing Brunch’ is also a staple of my week, meeting both familiar faces and new individuals starting out with Oakleaf.
The friends I have made through ‘Pain Management’ have been crucial. Finding individuals who can understand and relate to my struggles and who I can feel a real camaraderie with has been truly wonderful.”
Through Oakleaf, Emz has not only begun to heal but has also started volunteering and sharing their journey with others. Emz stresses, “We are all valuable in our own way,” and hopes to create a world where people can feel comfortable taking time to heal.
“Oakleaf is helping me every day to see that I am worthy and valuable, regardless of the situation I find myself in with my pain, my mind, or my future.”
Emz’s story highlights the importance of mental health support, especially in the workplace; fostering environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
You can watch Emz’s inspiring story here.
How You Can Make a Difference this WMHD:
To help start important conversations around mental health at work, we’ve created practical resources. Whether you’re an employer, a manager, or an employee, these tools can guide you in creating a supportive environment where mental health is openly discussed.
Conversation Starters:
- Work-Life Balance: Achieving a healthy work-life balance means finding the right balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life, ensuring neither is neglected. What strategies help you maintain balance between work and personal life?
- Stress Container: The concept of a ‘stress container’ helps us visualise how much stress we carry. Imagine your stress container filling up with different stressors until it overflows, leasing to overwhelm. How can we recognise when our ‘stress container’ is close to overflowing, and what support can we offer each other?
- Mental Health Myths: There are many misconceptions about mental health that can create stigma and prevent people from seeking help. It’s important to dispel these to foster a supportive and understanding environment. What myths about mental health have you encountered, and how do you challenge them?
Activities to Promote Wellbeing:
- Mindfulness Exercises: Simple breathing exercises or a body scan can help reduce stress and enhance focus.
- Wins of the Week: Celebrate big or small achievements with your team to build a positive workplace culture.
Mental Health Training & Awareness:
Oakleaf offers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, designed to help employees, managers and leaders spot early signs of mental health challenges and offer initial support. Investing in mental health training is an important step toward creating healthier workplaces.
Our next available course is a half-day Refresher course online, taking place on Tuesday 26th November, 9am-1pm.
To learn more about our MHFA courses, download the booklet here or contact Jen: jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise.org
In addition to Mental Health First Aid training, Oakleaf offers several mental health awareness session options to give employees increased knowledge, awareness and confidence to support the mental health and wellbeing of their colleagues and themselves. View our awareness session options here.
Mental Health Leaders Network:
Oakleaf runs a Mental Health Leaders Network, which aims to bring together a wide variety of Surrey businesses committed to addressing workplace mental wellbeing. Membership provides regular events, training, resources and access to professional speakers for all employers and employees. To learn more about the network, or if your business is interested in joining, please click here or email Jen: jenclay@oakleaf-enterprise.org.
Membership fees help fund Oakleaf’s charitable activities.
Cups & Conversations:
To mark World Mental Health Day 2024, Oakleaf invites you to host a Cups & Conversations event within your workplace anytime between 10th-31st October. Bring colleagues together over coffee, spark meaningful discussions about mental health, and raise funds to support Oakleaf’s vital work.
For £25 per group, you’ll receive:
- Oakleaf’s Signature Coffee Blend (100g bag)
- A live guided de-stress relaxation session on 10th October (recording available)
- A World Mental Health Day Pack with conversation starters, tips, and activities.
Set up a JustGiving page to collect donations during your event, helping fund Oakleaf’s mental health programs.
Support Oakleaf’s Mission:
Oakleaf is dedicated to providing mental health and wellbeing support that transforms lives. Every donation helps us continue this vital work:
£10: One week of supplies for our art classes.
£30: One week of fitness classes, led by a certified trainer.
£50: A block of six counselling sessions with a BACP-registered counsellor for clients facing complex mental health challenges.
£125: Weekly one-to-one support meetings for two clients for a month.
To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/oakleaf or contact us on 01483 303649 / info@oakleaf-enterprise.org.
Mental Health Resources:
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please make use of the resources below:
Oakleaf: 01483 303649 | info@oakleaf-enterprise.org
SABP Crisis Helpline: 0800 915 4644
Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours)
Mind: How to Find a Therapist
Citizens Advice: 03444 111 444 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Surrey Safe Havens: 6-11pm, 365 days a year
Let’s Make Mental Health a Year-Round Priority:
As we observe World Mental Health Day 2024, let’s commit to prioritising mental health not just today, but every day. Through open conversations, workplace improvements and greater support for those in need, we can create a world where mental health is valued as much as physical health.
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