Provide employees with essential knowledge and tools to understand mental health, recognize signs of suffering, effectively support colleagues, and promote a work culture that prioritizes well-being and psychological safety.
What we’ll talk about
Theme 1: Self-Knowledge and Mental Health
1. What are emotions for?
a. Suffering as a natural condition
b. Primary and secondary emotions
c. Adaptive functions
2. What should I be on the lookout for?
a. Mood changes
b. Low self-esteem and negative self-concept
c. Sleep disorders, tiredness, and low energy
d. Changes in eating behavior
e. Social difficulties
f. Suicidal thoughts
g. Cognitive disorders
h. Multiple somatic complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches)
3. When can we talk about mental disorder?
a. Anxiety (generalized anxiety; social/performance anxiety; panic; obsessions-compulsions)
b. Depression
c. Burnout (emotional exhaustion; negative attitudes toward work; reduced personal fulfillment)
Theme 2: What can threaten our mental health
1. What individual factors may contribute to a mental health problem?
a. Adverse life events
b. Family history and genetic factors
c. Biological factors
d. Psychological and temperamental factors
e. Socio-economic conditions
f. Substance abuse
g. Lack of family and social support
h. Physical health problems
2. What individual factors may contribute to a mental health problem?
a. Definition of Psychosocial Risks
- Work requirements (quantitative; cognitive; emotional and work rhythm)
- Work-individual relationship (work-family conflict; job satisfaction; job insecurity)
- Organization and control over one's own work
- Social and leadership relationships (predictability; reward; social support from superiors and colleagues; quality of leadership; role conflict)
- Offensive behavior (workplace harassment, discrimination)
- Workplace values (vertical and horizontal trust; justice and respect; social community)
Theme 3: Why is it so difficult for us to talk about mental health? - stigma and prejudice
1. Stereotypes associated with mental illness
2. Decision to disclose a mental health issue
3. Vulnerability as a strength and not as a weakness
Theme 4: Clarifying the leader's role in managing mental health problems
1. Role of the leader in building an environment of emotional security
2. Role of the leader as a mental health model
3. Role of the leader in promoting an attentive and humanized view
4. Role of the leader in the type of behavior that reinforces or recognizes
5. Role of the leader as a normalizing, reassuring, and trusting element
6. Identification and intervention in the context of psychosocial risks
Theme 5: How can we take care of the mental health of our employees?
1. How to help someone who reveals a mental health problem? (Practical strategies on how to start a conversation internal company procedures; position to adopt as a leader)
2. The person shared that they are facing a mental health issue - what now?
Theme 6: Development of a Mental Health Support Plan
1. Definition of psychological crisis
2. Reactions inherent to situations of psychological crisis
a. Emotional Reactions
b. Cognitive Reactions
c. Physiological Reactions
d. Behavioral Reactions
3. Recommendations for applying psychological first aid — what to do and what not to do
4. Support communication — required competencies
a. Empathy
b. Respect
c. Authenticity
d. Non-judgmental stance
e. Empower
f. Be practical
g. Confidentiality
5. Psychological First Aid Model
a. Principles and objectives
b. Step-by-Step
- Establishment of the relationship
- Safety and Comfort
- Stabilization (if necessary)
- Information Collection: Current Needs and Concerns
- Practical assistance
- Activating the support network
- Promoting adaptive coping
- Role-plays (case studies)
Theme 7: Lead by example: Explore and learn about self-care strategies
1. How can we take care of our mental health?
a. Emotional regulation strategies
b. Mindfulness and relaxation strategies
c. Self-care and self-compassion (healthy routine; nurturing social and family relationships; quality of life and values)
d. Peer support
e. Self-knowledge
f. Assertive communication and setting limits
g. Seek professional help (psychology, psychiatry, sick leave)