Mental Health

Just like physical health, mental health is something that we all have and is something that we should take care of. Mental health problems are common, and research suggests that 1 in 4 of us will experience poor mental health in any given year. Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions which affect your mood, thinking and behaviour. Examples of mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and addictive behaviours. 

Causes of Poor Mental Health 

Mental health problems can have a range of causes. It’s likely that for many people there is a combination of factors involved. These can be biological, psychological or environmental. Some examples of causes of poor mental health include: 

• childhood abuse, trauma or neglect 
• bereavement
• social isolation or loneliness
• severe or long-term stress 
• having a long-term physical health condition 
• financial concerns, unemployment or losing a job
• social disadvantage, poverty or debt 
• being a long-term carer 
• significant trauma as an adult 
• relationship difficulties or divorce 
• domestic violence, abuse or bullying 
• physical causes such as a head injury or a neurological condition 

Lifestyle factors including work, diet, a lack of sleep, alcohol and drugs, can also affect your mental health, however experiencing a mental health problem usually has other factors as well. 

Mental Health in the Workplace 

In March 2020, we resigned the Time to Change Wales pledge to show our continued commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of all employees and reducing mental health stigma in the workplace. Time to Change Wales is a movement which supports organisations to increase awareness of mental health conditions, to tackle the stigma which still surrounds mental health, and to encourage an open and supportive culture in which employees feel comfortable to discuss mental health. 

We are making ongoing efforts to increase employees’ awareness and understanding of mental health and stress, provide guidance and support for managers and employees to identify the signs and symptoms of poor mental health, and to develop a consistent approach to the management of mental health and stress in the workplace. 

Where can I get support? 

If you feel that you require additional support for any issues relating to mental health or stress, there are many external organisations which can help, the details of which can be found on our Help and Support page. 

You can also refer to our Healthy Lifestyle Advice section, which provides health and wellbeing guidance to reduce your risk of developing mental or physical ill-health. 

Mental Health Training 

Our Corporate Learning Opportunities page has more information on the courses that we have available to you, which include dedicated Mental Health Training Courses available to all staff. 

We would also recommend that you complete the Mental Health in the Workplace e-learning module, which is available via the Learning@Wales Website.