World Mental Health Day sheds light on workplace issues

People across the globe recognized the importance of mental health on Oct. 10 as part of World Mental Health Day.

This year’s theme focused on mental health in the workplace. According to The World Federation of Mental Health, which founded the awareness day in 1992, mental health issues have been shown to increase employee absenteeism, lower rates of productivity and increased costs. 

At Day One, a program of Oakland Family Services, we work hard to maintain a mentally healthy workplace. We provide staff free access to HelpNet, a 24-hour employee assistance program providing resources, personal counseling, referrals, and information on a variety of topics for staff and their families. Employees also can participate in a self-care support group, which meets monthly to discuss how to create and maintain a work life balance.

“Our Wellness Committee coordinates lunchtime walking groups to encourage groups to take a break, get outside and enjoy the weather and companionship,” said Kristy Eisenberg, director of Human Resources at Oakland Family Services. “We know that having fun is a big part of maintaining mental health and have surprised staff with special ice-cream treats, turned a meeting into a spontaneous road rally event, and held a chili cook off and silly hat contest.  We are always asking our staff what they need, what they want, and what the Agency can do to help them remain mentally healthy and happy.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing stress or other issues relating to the workplace, Day one can help. Day One provides mental health treatment services to people of all ages and assists them in overcoming problems associated with family, work or school. Licensed mental health professionals help clients learn new coping strategies that lead to improved mental health through individual counseling, group counseling and psychiatric services. Staff treat mild to moderate mental health disorders, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and bipolar disorder. Our staff also provides culturally sensitive treatment, including bilingual services, as well as psychiatric evaluations and medication reviews.

Day One also offers the area’s only women’s specialty intensive outpatient substance abuse program, Project Recovery Intensive Services for Mothers (PRISM).

For more information about Day One, call (248) 858-7766. To learn more about current open positions at Oakland Family Services, visit our careers page.