Mental health in the workplace: how a psychologist can contribute
Mental health in the workplace has gained prominence in recent years, especially given the high rates of stress, anxiety, and burnout among professionals in various fields. But what exactly does it mean to take care of mental health in the professional environment? And what is the role of the psychologist in this process?
In this article, we will explore the importance of mental health at work, the signs that something is wrong, how psychologists can act in the prevention and treatment of emotional and behavioral issues in this context, and why it is essential to promote healthier and more humane corporate environments.
What is mental health in the workplace?
Mental health at work refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of professionals in their occupational environment. This involves not only the absence of mental disorders, but also the presence of a healthy organizational climate, respectful interpersonal relationships, professional recognition, and a balance between personal and professional life.
When an employee has good mental health, they tend to exhibit greater focus, creativity, productivity, and ability to cope with pressure and challenges. On the other hand, toxic work environments, with overload, harassment, or lack of emotional support, can trigger serious psychological problems.
Why should mental health at work be a priority?
Several studies show that mental health problems are one of the main causes of absence from work. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 5 people suffer from some mental disorder each year, and many of these cases are related to the work environment.
Problems such as anxiety, depression, burnout syndrome, and chronic stress are increasingly common in companies, affecting both employee well-being and organizational results. Overworked or emotionally distressed employees tend to exhibit higher absenteeism, turnover, interpersonal conflicts, and low productivity.
Therefore, investing in mental health is more than a matter of social responsibility: it’s a smart strategy to improve team performance and promote a more balanced and sustainable corporate environment.
Warning signs: when is mental health compromised?
Many signs of compromised mental health go unnoticed, especially because people tend to downplay their symptoms or fear the stigma associated with psychological disorders. However, it is crucial to be aware of some important indicators, such as:
- Constant irritability or emotional outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
- Feeling of physical and mental exhaustion.
- Loss of motivation and enjoyment in activities
- Social isolation or frequent conflicts with colleagues
- Sleep problems, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
- Anxiety crises or panic attacks
- Deep sadness and a feeling of worthlessness.
- Abuse of alcohol, medication, or other substances.
When these signs appear frequently, it’s time to seek professional help.
The role of the psychologist in mental health at work.
Psychologists are essential professionals in promoting mental health in the workplace. Their work can occur on different fronts, both in prevention and in intervention in more complex cases. Among the main contributions of this professional are:
1. Diagnosis and support of emotional needs.
The psychologist is trained to identify signs of psychological distress, mental disorders, and interpersonal conflicts. They can work individually with employees, offering qualified listening, support, and guidance to help them better cope with their emotional difficulties.
Furthermore, the professional can administer psychological tests, conduct interviews, and prepare reports when necessary, always respecting confidentiality and the code of ethics of psychology.
2. Prevention of stress and burnout
Psychologists can develop programs to prevent stress and burnout syndrome, which are highly prevalent in corporate environments. This includes conducting lectures, workshops, discussion groups, and awareness campaigns about self-care and the limits of the body and mind.
These actions help create a culture of care and mutual respect, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
3. Conflict mediation and improvement of the organizational climate.
Communication problems and interpersonal conflicts are common in companies. A psychologist can act as a mediator in these cases, promoting dialogue between the parties and encouraging a culture of constructive feedback.
Furthermore, he can conduct organizational climate assessments and suggest changes that foster a more empathetic, collaborative, and respectful environment.
4. Development of socio-emotional skills
Another important area of focus is the development of emotional skills, such as empathy, self-regulation, active listening, emotional intelligence, and resilience. These skills are fundamental for dealing with the challenges of modern work and for maintaining healthy relationships in the corporate environment.
The psychologist can conduct training sessions, workshops, and human development groups focusing on these skills.
5. Support for leadership and people management
Emotionally prepared managers tend to lead healthier and more productive teams. Therefore, psychologists can act as leadership consultants, offering support in decision-making, conflict management, and the creation of strategies that value the well-being of employees.
Furthermore, it can guide leaders on how to identify signs of emotional distress in teams and how to refer these cases ethically and carefully.
How can we promote mental health in the workplace?
In addition to the work of a psychologist, there are several actions that companies can take to promote the mental health of their employees. Some of these include:
- To make working hours more flexible , promoting a balance between personal and professional life;
- Encourage breaks during the workday to prevent burnout;
- To offer spaces for listening and support , such as psychological support programs;
- Valuing the work of employees , with recognition and constructive feedback;
- Combating harassment and discrimination by adopting clear and educational policies;
- Encourage self-care practices , such as physical activity, healthy eating, and meditation;
- To create a transparent communication channel where people can express opinions and concerns without fear of reprisal.
All these measures contribute to a healthier, more motivating, and more humane environment.
Organizational and work psychology: a growing field.
Organizational and work psychology is the area of psychology focused on understanding and intervening in human relationships within organizations. This field has been expanding in recent years, precisely because of the growing demand for healthier and more welcoming professional environments.
Professionals specializing in this area work in companies of all sizes, public agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions, carrying out actions in prevention, human development, people management, and the promotion of mental health.
When should you seek psychological help?
Many people only seek help when they are already suffering intensely, but early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and significantly improve quality of life at work.
If you find yourself constantly feeling stressed, anxious, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, seek help from a psychologist. Professional support can help you understand your emotions, develop coping strategies, and restore your well-being.
Furthermore, leaders and managers can also benefit from psychotherapy to enhance their emotional skills and improve their relationships with their teams.
Final considerations
Mental health in the workplace should be a priority for companies and professionals who want more productive, humane, and sustainable environments. Psychologists play a fundamental role in this process, working through listening, prevention, mediation, and promotion of emotional well-being in the corporate environment.
Taking care of your mental health is not a luxury: it’s a necessity. And the first step can simply be recognizing that you don’t have to face everything alone. Psychology is here to help.
