October 10: World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of better mental health. Mental health in the workplace is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017.
The day provides an opportunity "for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide".
Crown Medical Centre (Ghana) supports this day and offers Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry as one of its services to the corporate body and individual. The Medical Director and CEO of Crown Medical Centre (Ghana) - Dr. Sadat Bawa is an occupational Health Consultant and is knowledgeable in what is required for a workplace to be productive.
During our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work. Our experience in the workplace is one of the factors determining our overall well-being. Employers and managers who put in place workplace initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental disorders see gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity at work. A negative working environment, on the other hand, may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity.
Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work, and to work productively. Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many of these people live with both. A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.