Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces across NSW

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are costing Australian businesses $12 billion each year through staff  absences, reduced work performance and productivity, increased staff turnover rates and associated recruitment and training costs, as well as compensation claims.

With one in six Australian workers experiencing mental illness, workplaces can play an important role in maintaining their workers’ wellbeing.

In partnership with the NSW Government, the Black Dog Institute is providing world-class mental health training for managers and staff in selected areas of NSW at no cost.

If you are a business owner, a manager, or a worker located in Sydney Metro, Newcastle, Central Coast, Blue Mountains or Wollongong areas, you may be eligible to access two workplace mental health training programs delivered by the Black Dog Institute’s experienced mental health clinicians at no cost.

  • Free Mental Health Training for Managers consists of a one-off, three-hour interactive workshop and aims to help people leaders learn how to spot early signs of mental health issues and promote wellbeing within their team; develop the skills to have effective conversations around mental health; understand the resources available to their team, and get the skills to help people recover at work.
  • Free Mental Health Skills Training for Staff is for everyone in the workplace and consists of a one-off two-hour interactive workshop. By attending the training workers will gain skills to have effective conversations about mental health; learn about people’s rights and responsibilities when telling their employer about mental health issues; get access to evidence-based tools, resources and the HeadGear app to help their wellbeing and build a mentally healthier workplace.

 Both programs can be accessed by organising a private workshop for your businesses on-site (minimum of eight people required), or by attending a public session in your area. Those who cannot attend a face-to-face session will have the opportunity to access an online module.

If you are interested in these programs, visit the Black Dog Institute website to read more information and find out if you are eligible.

Getting Through Relationship Breakdowns

There is absolutely no doubt that a relationship break down is hard and most of us, at some stage in our life will go through it. . Relationship breakdowns are never easy, no matter how mutual or civilized the break up is. It’s a tough time in anyone’s life and it is important to do things that are healthy and will help you heal and move on in a positive way.

Here are some pointers on how to get past a relationship breakdown so that you can live your best life yet:

  1. Cry as often as you want

Crying is a very healthy, natural way to release grief and pain. You may be afraid to start to cry for fear that you will not be able to stop but you will.

 

  1. Do something positive everyday

Help yourself heal. It’s good idea to exercise – walk, run, join a gym (you may meet new people), read a book you have wanted to get around to reading, watch some self-help videos, learn to meditate (there are lots of meditation groups around) and never underestimate the power of positive prayer (regardless of if you are spiritual or religious). Pick new activities that you know will be fun and uplifting, ask friends to encourage you or join you!

  1. Seek out help

If you find yourself struggling seek out some support -a trusted friend, a counsellor or your Doctor. You will be surprised how much better you feel by talking things out with someone. Seeking help early can help put things in perspective.

  1. Stand up for you.

If your ex-partner continues to call you or will not leave you alone, be clear in your words and actions-ask them to give you time and space to heal and move on from the relationship. It is important to set clear and concise boundaries when it comes to your ex-partner. If they are harassing or threatening you, call the police for information and advice.

For more information and support- https://www.1800respect.org.au/

  1. Keep busy

Make sure you keep yourself busy. Organise to catch up with friends, go to the gym, take a long relaxing walk in your favourite park or sign up for a new class or workshop. Be kind to yourself but keeping busy will help you move on quicker, don’t sit at home and dwell over the break up; you have to free your mind so your heart can heal.

  1. Resist ”rebounding” into a new relationship

Don’t go out looking for a new partner straight away, this usually ends up adding more pain to the break up. A rebound relationship can fill the void in the short term but if you do not process the relationship break up in a healthy way it may negatively impact on the new relationship. Give yourself time to recover from the breakup.

  1. Take your time

Make sure you take a healthy amount of time to get over the breakdown of a relationship. Avoid making big sudden changes like moving states or moving to another town, major changes like that are usually about avoiding feelings. Believe that with a little time, patience and support you will feel better and will find love again.

  1. Research

It is a good idea to research how other people got over a relationship breakdown. There is a lot of material out there. A lot of people don’t just merely survive but go on to thrive. Rest assured that you will find love for yourself and another again.

Some great relationship resources can be found at:

Relationships Australia

Family Relationships Online

Interrelate

MensLine Australia

ReachOut

1800Respect