Mental health and wellbeing have been a crucial aspect of life. This is especially so during times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where daily lives of people all over the world have changed considerably.
How has COVID-19 impacted us?
The past months have brought about significant challenges for many. Front-line healthcare workers are providing care in difficult circumstances around the clock, whilst going to work at the risk of bringing COVID-19 home with them.
For youths and working adults, we are adapting to working from home, with little face-time with colleagues, teachers, and friends which can impede our social connectivity. Livelihoods are also threatened as companies let staff go to save their businesses, or even shut down completely.
For the people with mental health conditions, many are experiencing even greater social isolation than before.
As such, greater awareness and support are needed especially during this time and age, and more can be done to lend a helping hand to those in need.
What is World Mental Health Day about?
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.
It is a day that provides everyone the opportunity to work on mental health issues, to create meaningful conversations, and understand what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. Shared by the World Health Organisation, the goal of this year’s campaign is increased investment in mental health.
It is important to remember that mental health conditions know no boundaries. It could very well affect your friend, family, or the person sitting beside you – while socially distant – even at work.
How is SThree supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our employees?
We launched a series of videos to touch on the different aspects of mental health and wellbeing, along with some tips and advice from teams across the world.
- Top tips to keep fit and maintain your physical wellbeing
Physical wellbeing is often thought to be separate from mental health, but creates an innate connection between our mind and body.
What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Doing an activity you enjoy can beat the stress you are facing, and achieving something out of it can boost your self-esteem.
In this video, Naavin Kumar and Pratyusha Vedala (Singapore), Charles Breen (Japan) and Harsh Tandon (Dubai) shared how they keep their fitness in check.
Concentrating on a hobby like fishing, and even going for a run can help you forget your worries albeit only a short while which can help to change up your mood.
- Top tips to encourage social support and stay connected
Research has shown that social support wards off the effects of stress on various #health problems. Staying connected today with your peers, colleagues, and family, especially during the current circumstance, can be difficult but not impossible.
We find out from Elzana Ibragimova (Dubai), Michael Colby (Japan) and Yoona Du Yinan (Singapore) on how they stay connected with their loved ones.
Communication plays a big part in our lives – it is a human need and a fundamental social necessity. We connect with one another to share knowledge, to work together, build relationships, and generate new and innovative ideas. Try regular video conferencing calls with your peers if your country is going through a lockdown, or send a small welfare pack to your family member who is living apart from you to let them know that you are thinking of them.
- Self-care tips for your general wellbeing
Whether it is going to the beach, putting on a dose of your favourite essential oils or investing in a giant pillow, there are numerous ways that we can boost our general wellbeing.
In this feature, Sushma D’Silva (Dubai), Keelie O’Dea (Singapore) and Mai Horiuchi (Japan) shared their top recommendations for self-care.
We are more resilient and more able to handle life's stress when we are feeling our best, both physically and emotionally. A massage, a hot bath, or other simple forms of pampering can easily revitalise your mind and body. Most importantly, there is no harm trying what might work best for you.
We may be in difficult times but remember that you are not alone. Talk to your loved ones or seek help early for your mental health.