Jean-Claude Van Damme speaks of teenage depression that worked itself out in physical endeavors:
"When I didn't train for a couple of days, I felt so low and nothing could make me happy."
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-Stress can make smart people do stupid things. Stress cause a ‘cortical inhibition’
-We have become so accustomed to stress that we think is our normal state
Goal
-We have become so accustomed to stress that we think is our normal state
Staff Welfare Office
Create an approachable environment where counselling is perceived as health needs.
“No Health without Mental Health”(WHO)
Introduction of Psychosocial support to OCHA Staff
Mental Health
Top Stressors for OCHA Field Staff (2014)
1. Individual and group counselling. Help staff to deal with daily stresses. Ongoing support
2. Crisis support. Response to 100% of Critical Incidents. Make sure that staff in the field have access to services. Link with other mental health professionals/counselors
3. Training on Stress Management and other mental health topics
4. Build the capacity of OCHA staff on mental health topics through publications and training
“A man of truth must also be a man of care” – Mohatma Gandhi
Mental health is defined as a 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 is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
Facts
War and disasters have a large impact on mental health and psychosocial well-being
Rates of mental disorder tend to double after emergencies ( WHO).
- Increase productivity
- Promotion of a positive work-environment.
- Work -life balance
- Reduce sick leave
- Reduce absenteeism
- Better health
Facts
A big chair does not make a king.
Jim Carrey
“I'm charming, but I dip into the Prozac
now and then.”
Very high level of psychological distress, depression, anxiety and burnout among international Humanitarian Aid Workers ( Antares Foundation 2011 ).
75% of all doctor's office visits are for
stress related ailments and complaints ( Webmed.com)
Individual
Organization
Challenges
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito.
If you can walk, you can dance; If you can talk, you can sing.
-Openness and Availability
-Promotion of work-life balance
-Distribution of workload
-Accountability to mitigate stress
- Organizational policies
Agenda
Personality
Health
Social support
Stigma attached to mental health services
One professional to serve around 2,000 staff
Confidentiality
Emergency culture
- Welfare/ Counselling at the workplace
- Challenges in the field
- My observations