mental health and its importance in safety critical roles...objectives-increase understanding about...

Mental Health and its importance in Safety Critical Roles

Why talk about mental health?

Tina BalachandranSenior Company Psychologist

Relevance in Safety Critical Roles

Declaration

- I am an employee of Qatar Airways- I have no potential conflicts of interest to report- Opinions expressed are my own and may not directly represent the opinion of the

organization

Objectives

- Increase understanding about mental health - Recognize the need to break associated stigma- Identify the relevance of mental health at work- Discuss approaches to creating a psychologically safe workplace- Create awareness about the role of a psychologist within health and safety

Health, Safety, and Environment

Occupational Health & SafetyFocus largely on physical safety

What about the dangers you can’t see?Do we consider psychological ergonomics?

Mental Health Prevalence

Mental health issues are on the rise- 1 in 4 affected by mental health in their

lifetime- Depression is the leading cause of

disability - More than 260 million are living with

anxiety disorders- 5% of adults have a substance use

disorder in any 12 month period (males more than females)- 25% of presentations to primary care in

Qatar

Global statistics for the general population*

*Ref:WorldHealthOrganization(WHO),MinistryofPublicHealth(MOPH)

Causes of deaths in Qatar*Percent change from 2007 - 2017

*Ref: TheInstituteforHealthMetricsandEvaluation(IHME)

Health problems leading to disability*Causes of YLDs in 2017 and percent change, 2007-2017

*Ref: TheInstituteforHealthMetricsandEvaluation(IHME)

Risk factors leading to death & disability*Contributors to DALYs in 2017 and percent change, 2007-2017

*Ref: TheInstituteforHealthMetricsandEvaluation(IHME)

What is mental health?

state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community

World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as

Are you comfortable with mental health?How do you feel talking about it?

https://pollev.com/TINABALACHAN226

Research suggests that

Employees don’t disclose their mental health issues. More than 70% don’t seek treatment - fear of- Micro-managed- No promotion- Mistakes linked to illness - Gossip at work- Social exclusion

Stigma and discrimination – workplace implications

Factor affecting mental healthPredisposing individual factors

Biological RiskFactors

Genetic factors

Poornutritional intake

Physical inactivity

Substance abuse

Beingoverweight

Highbloodpressure&cholesterol

Releaseofstresshormone

Alteredlevelofbiochemical markers

PsychologicalRiskFactors

Isolation

Poorsocial networks

Abuse

Low self-esteem

Low perceivedpower

Loss ofmeaning orpurpose inlife

SocialRiskFactors

Poverty

Discrimination

Lowersocial status

Dangerouswork

Causes of psychological injuryOrganizational factors can have a negative effect

PsychologicalSupport

Recognition&Reward

ClearLeadership&Expectations

Involvement&Influence

OrganizationalCulture

Balance &Engagement

Growth&Development

Workloadmanagement

Mental health at workWorkplace statistics

Activation within the work environmentImpact on work and safety

Aviation accident - 24th March, 2015Highlighted the need for more focus on mental health

How common is the problem? (1)Construction

1in 5constructionworkers

Common risk factors- Competitive, high pressure work

environment- High prevalence of alcohol and

substance use- End of season lay offs- Separation from family-Work culture of ‘toughness’Anxiety, depression,

suicidal thoughts arecommon - CDC

How common is the problem? (2)Oil and gas sector

How common is the problem? (3)Railways

Living with mental healthVideo: Experience of rail employees

What can you do?Increase knowledge, know your resources

What else can you do?Improve policies - mental health and psychological safety

How else can you influence?Apply an evidence based best practice model

Integrated approach to mental health- Increase awareness- Break mental health stigma- Stress management and coping- Improve access to mental health

services/EAP- Return to work support

What can you do?Talking to someone with a mental health issue

Conclusion

Need to create a stigma free and psychologically safe workplace- Increase mental health awareness- Creative supportive mental health workplaces- Early access to mental health support services- Focus on employee engagement and

wellbeing

Mental health is just as important as physical health

Questions?Its OK to talk

tbalachandran@qatarairways.com.qatina.narotra@gmail.com