It’s easy to dismiss this statement as corny, saccharine or something people in office jobs say to boost morale. It can commonly be heard when the going is tough and there’s a deadline to pull together to meet or, heaven forbid, before the dreaded team building day! 

In truth, if you break down any pre-conceived ideas about cheesy rhymes and being forced to socialise with your colleagues, the importance of teamwork cannot, and should not, be underestimated. 

We all have mental health just as we all have physical health. In the same way that our bodies cooperate with our wishes more on some days than others, and can be vulnerable to injury and illness, so too do our minds. Discussing mental health is no longer seen as taboo in most places and nor should it be. Openness about mental health, including our struggles as well as our triumphs, is key to making it just as routine to seek help and support when we need it for our minds in the same way that we think nothing of having a physical injury attended to by professionals.  

When you delve deep into UK mental health statistics, the significant impact the last few years have had on everyone’s well-being is clearly revealed. The current levels of good mental health are disturbingly low, and while the UK has made great strides in the health of our bodies, we now need to achieve the same for the health of our minds.

October isn’t just crunchy leaves, cosy jumpers and Halloween costumes…it also marks World Mental Health Day.  Every year, the World Federation for Mental Health unites us all on 10th October to achieve a common goal - ensuring that mental health is treated on a par with physical health.  

The day offers the ideal opportunity for advocates of mental health to openly discuss their experiences, efforts and initiatives whilst encouraging others to do the same.  

If you and your organisation would like to come together and make a difference, then here are ten ideas to mark the occasion this year. 

Have you ever felt that if you don’t get something off your chest you’ll explode?

Whether you’re a manager, supervisor or perhaps an employee with no managerial responsibility, the ability to listen is one of the most important and valued there is.

How can the health and wellbeing of staff be maintained? Gone are the days that workers with mental health problems felt shame and went to extraordinary lengths to hide their symptoms and struggles from their employers.

I have been an employer for 38 years and I consider myself a performance manager. In this time, I have learned that the cost and impact of poor mental health can be substantial and profound.