It’s no news that the adverse impact of COVID-19 on businesses, families and the world at large, has also affected the mental health of millions of people. The levels of anxiety, fear, isolation, uncertainty, financial and emotional distress has increased causing many to worry for their mental well-being.

Currently, employers and employees are in survival mode, meaning they are working on getting through the day. Many are experiencing burnout and depression.

Mental illness causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy or emotion that makes it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life.

According to WHO’s Reports: about 450 million people live with mental disorders; one person in every four will be affected by a mental disorder at some stage of their lives; every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide (annually, this represents over 800 000 people that die by suicide). For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide every year.

It is therefore no surprise that the theme for World Mental Health Day 2020 is Mental Health For All: Greater Investment – Greater Access.

This serves as a clarion call for everyone to prioritise the issue of mental health now more than ever.

To those in authority such as parents, employers, spouses, provide a toxic free environment for those in your care. Show empathy and compassion.

To employees, children, citizenry show understanding, cooperation and support to those in authority. Uneasy is the head that wears the crown.

As an individual, you can protect your mental space by staying positive, keeping your mind active, and saying no to toxic environment. Show kindness to all. Your actions have a bigger impact than you might realize.

Stay sane, stay safe.

StarGuide HR Consulting Cares.