Today is the start of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 with this year’s theme being Community.
Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, the week is a chance to shine a spotlight on mental health, with the theme highlighting the importance of strong, supportive connections and belonging for overall mental health and well-being.
For me, this means seeing who you interact with, and looking at how you connect with your colleagues, your family, friends and the wider community.
Most importantly though, I think it means connecting with yourself and, in a spirit of sustainability, connecting with nature, which is not only good for your soul but helps you appreciate the beauty of life on planet earth.
I recommend social interaction over social media
Janvi Patel Product Marketing Manager and a Mental Health First Aider
Stress and burnout
Mental health has never been in the news more than now, but often it seems to be for the wrong reasons such as how to get mental health sufferers back to work!
But we should be talking about it more because it’s connected to every little thing we do, every place we go and everyone around us. Mental health is our physical health, our finances, our relationships. It’s part of our defining moments and the day-to-day.
In a time when the high cost of living is impacting families across the UK, stress and burnout are affecting many, and with millions of people seeking mental health support, connection is more important than ever.
We work in the construction industry which has one of the highest rates of mental illness in UK industries, so it is important to recognise that and take time to look after yourself and your colleagues.
In fact, the impact of mental health and suicide is a particular problem for the construction sector and building related trades, with reports showing that two workers take their own life every working day. Recognising this and reaching out for help, or to help, could literally make all the difference.
Unable to switch off
One area of connectivity that can have a negative impact on mental health is our attachment to mobile phones and social media, so in this instance, I would recommend periodic disconnection, rather than connection!
Smart phones can see a constant stream of incoming messages, social posts and emails, so switching off from the working day can be a challenge for many people.
In our industry, this can be a huge issue, whether you run your own installation business, or work for a multi-national corporation. Evenings and weekends may be the only time to catch-up with paperwork, when they should really be about RandR – rest and recouperation.
This is where I recommend social interaction over social media.
Switch off the email and social media and actually talk to someone, preferably face-to-face but make a phone call if you’re not near to them. And make it about more than just work. Ask people how they are, ask them about their wellbeing, ask them about their family and what they’ve got planned for the weekend.
Share some quality time doing something you enjoy together. Here at Mitsubishi Electric for example, we’re arranging drop-in events where colleagues can play board games, or join a book club, or learn about mindfulness and yoga.
When you add things up, we all spend a lot of time at work already, and it’s worth remembering that the benefits of taking time to chat with someone work both ways, whether you are the one reaching out to others or the person needing to hear a friendly voice.
Sharing is caring
Research has shown that there are a number of factors, such as good sleep, nutrition and exercise, that can all help to ensure our general health and wellbeing, but the importance of social interaction and the sharing of common stories and problems cannot be underestimated.
Families and friends may be able to offer sympathy, but a better understanding is more likely to come from those who have to deal with similar stresses and pressures during the working day.
Most of us seem to have incredibly busy lives these days, so it is easy to forget about our own wellbeing, which is what Mental Health Awareness Week is all about – looking after yourself, so that you can also help to look after those around you who may need help and support.
It is always worth asking friends, family and colleagues if they are alright and whether they need help or would just like someone to talk to. And often, even asking is enough to make someone feel better than they did before you asked.
Just the act of asking can be enough to boost someone’s confidence and self-awareness, as you are acknowledging their existence, their importance and their worth.
So, take the time to connect with yourself, with nature and with others. Who knows, this may help you develop positive habits that last more than a week.
Janvi Patel is Product Marketing Manager and a Mental Health First Aider
