Today is world mental health day! I have been reading about the growing importance of this subject in our daily lives, particularly in the workplace and have recently discovered a critical aspect, that mental health issues like depression are not signs of weakness, but rather proof of conscience!

Good, caring individuals often carry a heavy conscience. They feel responsible not just for themselves, but for the well-being of others and even for the fairness of the world.

Renowned psychologists observe that generally good people, not the cruel or careless, but the kind and sensitive, often struggle with mental health.

When something goes wrong, a good person might conclude, “I must have done something to deserve this,” while someone with less empathy may simply blame others or external circumstances.

Many good people live by silent rules, such as “I must be perfect to matter,” “I must never show weakness,” and “If I suffer, it’s because I deserve to.” A small mistake at work, an argument with a colleague, or even just feeling exhausted becomes proof of failure.

They push themselves harder, and smile through their pain, while carrying a hidden mountain of guilt. To the outside world, their suffering often remains invisible. They still get up for work, do their daily chores, and hold life together, but each day they stack more weight upon themselves until eventually something gives.

This has significant implications for everyone and particularly so for organisations and workplaces. It is not just that the more conscientious and responsible employees may be at higher risk but also workplace mental health is crucial for resilience, retention, and productivity.

If organisations fail to provide help, they risk more than just losing a few people. This is especially true in societies where discussing mental health has always been taboo.

While I don’t have specialised knowledge of effective interventions, I understand that training managers to provide support to their employees can be highly impactful and cost-effective.

It is important for organisations to reflect on this and design ongoing interventions based on professional advice tailored to their local circumstances.

My point is simply to highlight the significance of this area as it becomes a leading cause of concern in our lives these days.

Worth thinking about 🤔