Mental Health Matters: Can you help?
Revised 5/6/24
We Aren’t Alone
Our union can play an important role in creating community in our workplaces and give members a sense of belonging to something bigger than they are. We should think of each other like a family and the union as a support system. There’s a reason we refer to each other as “sister,” “brother,” and “sibling.” We build our identities through these connections. Humans need food, water, and shelter for our bodies, but we also need a sense of belonging and purpose. With a union, we build strength through community so that even if we have to move mountains, we’re never alone.
How You Can Help
First, take care of yourself by finding ways that help reduce your stress. Finding the person you trust to talk to is important but keep in mind you may be that person for fellow members. With that said take care of yourself first so you can be mentally strong enough to be there for others. In the UFCW, we pride ourselves on making workplaces safe and healthy. Stewards are not medical doctors, and we don’t expect you to be therapists. But you can help by talking to your siblings and letting them know you are there to support and offer assistance. Here are some things to look for if you notice your co-worker’s mental health declining.
Relationships decline when someone’s mental health is suffering. Pay attention to someone pulling away from the group. Try to reach out and form a connection.
Avoid saying phrases such as: “What is wrong with you?” “Why are you acting this way?” or “Do you have depression?”. These phrases put people on the defensive, and they may want to hide how they feel from you to avoid feeling blamed or judged. Try open ended question instead like “How are you doing?” or “Do you want to tell me about your day?”.
Workplace anger, arguments, frustration, and bullying often indicate that someone is struggling to control their emotions through healthy outlets. This should alert you to more profound things going on with this person.
Sometimes self-destructive behavior outside of work that starts to interfere with work is a sign of someone struggling with their mental health. Try to express concern about the behavior without being too judgmental.
You never know what someone is going through. Be Kind…Always.
The world is constantly changing – for better or for worse – and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything going on around you. While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard to know where to start when it comes to taking care of your own well-being.
This May, Mental Health America will help you:
LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, your friends and family, and your community.
For anyone struggling with the pressure of today's world, feeling alone, or wondering if they can feel better, this is Where to Start.
