Help with psychological health problems
- rajanbowri
- Aug 26, 2023
- 4 min read
A resource leaflet for employees
Dr Rajan Bowri (Occupational Health Physician and GP)
What are psychological health problems?
Psychological health problems are also called mental health problems. They include difficulties such as:
Stress-symptoms, which might relate to home, relationships, family or work
Burnout
Depression
Anxiety
Panic
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Alcohol and drug problems
Other addictions, such as gambling, excessive shopping and overeating
Eating disorders
Bipolar illness
Psychosis
Schizophrenia
Mind and Body
Modern neuroscience tells us that the mind comes from the functioning of the brain, so it is not helpful to think of the mind and body as separate. We may have all had the experience of something stressful like an exam giving rise to physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Similarly, it is not helpful to see psychological and physical problems differently. Unfortunately, not all people in society think in such a modern way, and sometimes a stigma still exists against mental illness.
Employment Laws
The laws relating to employment try to protect and support sufferers of disabling long-term health problems, be they psychological or physical, for example:
The Equality Act (Disability Component)
Health and Safety at Work Act
Management of Health and Safety in the Workplace Regulations
Duty of Care
Occupational Health
One of the roles of an occupational health doctor is to advise an employer, in a professional and impartial way, whether any of the above laws might apply. We make suggestions as to how employers can fulfil their duties under these laws and support the employee. These suggestions are not binding, and it is ultimately for an employer to decide how best to act under the law. In the case of disagreement, the employee can approach their union, ACAS, Citizens Advice, Mental Health Matters or an employment lawyer for advice.
We may have suggestions on how you or your doctors could help with your health problem, and can write to your GP with your permission, but cannot actually prescribe medication for you.
Other illnesses
Some illnesses with mainly physical symptoms may be made worse by psychological factors, but that doesn't mean these problems are all 'in the head', for example:
Tension headaches
Migraine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Low back pain
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Stress at Work
If you think there are stresses at work that are contributing to your problem, then your employer has a duty to ask about them and to carry out a risk assessment, just as they would if you were exposed to a physical hazard.
Stress at work might arise from feeling that:
your workload is unmanageable
you lack the training or experience needed to carry out a task
you lack support from colleagues or managers
you have difficulties with colleagues, customers, students or patients
you are being bullied or harassed
It is important to try to raise any issues with your managers, but if you feel that's difficult, you could approach HR, your union, your GP or occupational health doctor.
Treating mental health problems
The treatment of each mental or psychological health problem is different, which is why it's important to get the help of your GP as quickly as possible.
Sometimes your GP may need to refer you to a counsellor, psychotherapist, or member of the local mental health team, such as a nurse, doctor (psychiatrist), psychologist or occupational therapist.
Broadly, the different treatments can be divided into the following categories:
Time and rest - sometimes things just get better with some time out away from your stresses
Lifestyle measures - good diet, exercise, reducing alcohol, trying to get more sleep, taking part in interests and hobbies
Courses and groups on the management of stress, anxiety and mood
Talking therapy, one-to-one or in groups - counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychotherapy
Relaxation techniques - mindfulness, meditation, yoga, relaxation tapes, calming music, colouring-in books
Bibliotherapy - reading books or watching videos on self-help. See the Resources section below for more information.
Medication - in some cases, medication may be needed, either to help the symptoms or to improve the problem
These days, it is possible to refer yourself to an NHS talking therapy organisation by phoning or emailing from the contact page on their website. They can help with general telephone support and can arrange free counselling and support groups. In the Bristol area, they are called Vitaminds.
To find an NHS talking therapy service in other parts of England, use this link.
Many employers are members of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which provide free and confidential support to employees. You can phone anonymously to get the number from HR or senior managers.
Resources
For free counselling, CBT, courses and groups on the management of stress, anxiety and mood.
Phone 0333 200 1893
Patient leaflets in plain English on hundreds of health problems and medicines, by the team that write the leaflets GPs hand out.
A signposting service for psychological health services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is meditation without the religious or spiritual overtones. It has been shown scientifically to help in a number of health problems.
Bemindful is a useful source of information on mindfulness, with access to a free online course.
Headspace - many people find this website and smartphone/tablet app useful in learning mindfulness
Public libraries usually carry good stocks of the most popular self-help books. This list suggests books for the most common mental health conditions:
Videos on the NHS site on a variety of health problems:
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/mentalhealthvideowall.aspx
Information about mental health difficulties and available support
The BACP website offers a directory of private counsellors and counselling organisations as well as lots of information about counselling in general.
Tel: 0870 443 5252
Telephone 0117 947 1189 or 0117 923 2741
An organisation which supports people with mental health difficulties who want to get back into work or need support to stay in work. They provide:
One-to-one advice and support
Support to find paid work, become self employed or set up a social enterprise
Job coaching and in-work support
Support in negotiating reasonable adjustments with your employer and help in getting back to your job after being off sick
Free information and advice service on legal, money and other practical problems.
Very useful leaflets on the Disability component of the Equality Act.
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for:
a grant to help pay for practical support with your work
support with managing your mental health at work
money to pay for communication support at job interviews
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