Why Your Team’s Mental Health Is More Important Than You Think—And What You Can Do About It
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. Just like physical health, mental health can vary from good to poor, and it’s something we all experience on a continuum. By understanding the mental health continuum, organisations can better support their staff, promoting a healthier workplace environment and fostering a culture of openness and care.
Mental Health Continuum - what is it?
The mental health continuum is a model that illustrates the range of mental health states we all experience. It’s not about having or not having a mental illness; it’s about recognising where we stand in terms of our mental well-being at any given time.
*The Mental Health Continuum Model (Source: Canadian Armed Forces). Adapted from the original version.
Green Zone: Flourishing or thriving—feeling positive, energized, and able to manage daily stressors effectively.
Yellow Zone: Reacting—experiencing lower energy levels, disrupted sleep, and mild irritability, but still managing overall.
Orange Zone: Struggling—dealing with more intense stress, increased negativity, and beginning to withdraw from social or work situations.
Red Zone: Severely impacted or mentally illness—experiencing significant distress, exhaustion, social isolation, and possibly relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use.
We all sit somewhere on this continuum, and our position can change daily based on factors like work, home life, finances, and social connections. For example, after a few nights of poor sleep, you might find yourself in the yellow zone, feeling tired and irritable. But after a good night’s rest and some positive interactions, you might move back towards the green zone. This ebb and flow is a natural part of life.
Mental Health Continuum - now let’s imagine this…
Imagine you’ve had a couple of challenging nights where you didn’t sleep well. You wake up one morning and realise you’ve slept through your alarm. Now, you’re tired, late for work, and feeling rushed—likely sitting somewhere between the green and yellow zones. When you arrive at work, you’re greeted with what seems like a mountain of tasks. To add to the stress, your boss hands you even more work. Frustration and exhaustion start to build, pushing you further into the yellow zone, maybe even teetering on the edge of the orange zone.
However, at the end of the day, you manage to complete your tasks. You decide to take a walk to your car and have a good chat with a colleague, allowing you to vent and debrief. The fresh air, physical activity, and social connection help ease your tension, moving you closer back to the green zone. Recognising that you’re still tired, you decide to go to bed early that night, ensuring a full night’s sleep. The next morning, you wake up feeling refreshed, back in the green zone.
This example shows how our mental health can fluctuate from day to day, influenced by a variety of factors. It underscores the importance of self-awareness and taking proactive steps to manage our mental well-being.
Mental Health Continuum - why it’s so important
Recognising where individuals fall on the mental health continuum allows for early detection of issues and the implementation of appropriate strategies or supports. The goal is early intervention. The quicker we can pick up on someone who may be moving from the green into the yellow zone, orange zone, or red zone, the better. As always, our aim isn’t to diagnose or treat someone, as we aren’t professionals. But having a meaningful check-in and encouraging them to seek help if needed can be highly impactful.
Understanding that everyone’s mental health may change from day to day is crucial for creating a supportive workplace. If someone’s been struggling for more than a couple of weeks, it might be time to follow up with them or encourage them to reach out to a professional for guidance.
How You Can Support Staff at Each Stage
Organisations and leaders can introduce various strategies to help support their staff at different stages of the mental health continuum:
Awareness and Education: Provide training on the signs and symptoms of mental health issues. Consider displaying the mental health continuum in common areas to raise awareness.
Regular Check-ins: Encourage leaders to schedule regular 1:1 well-being check-ins with their staff. These conversations should focus on how employees are doing personally, not just their work tasks.
Promote Mental Health Training: Offer programs like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to equip staff with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health issues in the workplace.
Highlight Support Services: Go beyond just listing available support services like Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Explain what these services offer, how to access them, how many sessions are available to them, and emphasise their confidentiality.
Peer Support Networks: Encourage the formation of peer support groups where employees can connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. This can help foster a sense of community and shared understanding.
The Economic Impact of Mental Health in Australian Workplaces
Addressing mental health in the workplace is crucial, particularly in Australia where mental ill-health costs businesses over $12 billion annually due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased turnover. In Queensland, psychological injury claims result in almost twice the time off work compared to physical injuries, with an average of 26.8 weeks off for psychological claims versus 13.7 weeks for physical claims.
With nearly 20% of Australians experiencing a mental health condition each year, the impact on workplaces is significant. However, according to a PWC report, investing in mentally healthy workplaces has been shown to deliver a return of $2.30 for every dollar spent, highlighting the tangible benefits of proactive mental health strategies.
Handy Resources
For more information on mental health and support strategies, check out these resources:
Mentally Healthy Workplaces Portal
Workplace Mental Health Toolkit – Black Dog Institute
Beyond Blue – What is Mental Health
Mental Health First Aid Training – Pharus Wellbeing
Understanding and addressing the mental health continuum is vital for creating a supportive and productive workplace. By taking proactive steps to recognise and respond to mental health needs, organisations can foster an environment where employees feel valued and supported, ultimately leading to better outcomes for everyone.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog, including any linked content and suggested resources, is for general informational purposes only. Pharus Wellbeing and its employees do not have knowledge of your specific circumstances, and the content here is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. For personalized support and advice, please consult with a qualified mental health professional.
