Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, yet it’s often neglected until a crisis occurs, and in the motor industry, where stress, long hours and high-pressure environments are common, the mental health of workers is particularly vulnerable.
With World Suicide Prevention Day recognised on 10th September each year, we take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of repairing our mental health and supporting those around us.
Below, we explore why.
Understanding World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on 10th September, and was established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in 2003, in an effort to engage in open conversations about mental health, offer support and recognise the warning signs that someone may be struggling.
It’s an important annual event as unfortunately, suicide is significant global public health issue, so much so that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700,000 people die by suicide each year. As a result, World Suicide Prevention Day aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma and promote action that can save lives.
The theme for this year is “creating hope through action,” which highlights the idea that our actions, no matter how small, can provide hope to those who are struggling, and that by fostering a supportive work environment, offering mental health resources and encouraging open discussions, we can help create a culture where mental health is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The Mental Health Crisis In The Motor Industry
Recent research from Ben, a charity dedicated to supporting motor workers, reveals that a staggering 1 in 2 workers in the sector has struggled with their mental health in the past 12 months – an alarming figure, considering the impact poor mental health can have on both individuals and the businesses they work for.
But, the stressors in this industry are notoriously severe. For example, high workloads, tight deadlines and the physical demands of the job can all contribute to stress, anxiety and depression, let alone working throughout the winter months which can exacerbate these issues as shorter days and less social interaction lead to feelings of isolation and low mood.
Financial stress is another significant factor, with many workers facing increased bills and economic uncertainty, and even issues such as unhealthy food options at service stations, lack of efficient rest breaks and the fact that many workers can spend much of their time quite literally on their own, further compounds their mental health struggles.
Why Repairing Mental Health is Vital
Repairing mental health is not just about addressing a crisis when it happens, it’s about taking proactive steps to maintain well-being and prevent issues from escalating any further too.
At its core, mental health is intrinsically linked to physical health, job performance and overall quality of life, and so for employers, there’s a clear economic incentive to support their workers’ mental health.
This is supported by a recent a Deloitte report, which states that employers can see a return of £5.30 for every £1 invested in mental health initiatives, and now, the cost of poor mental health to UK employers has risen by 25% since 2019, now reaching up to £56 billion annually.
But beyond the economic argument, it’s simply the right thing to do. Creating a supportive environment where workers feel valued and heard can make a profound difference, and whilst all employers have a legal obligation to protect their workers from stress, they also have a moral responsibility to ensure their employees’ well-being as well.
Practical Steps For Employers And Employees
So, what can be done to address mental health in the workplace, particularly in high-stress industries like motor repair?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and its Working Minds campaign, offer a straightforward approach, suggesting 5 simple steps that employers can take.
For employers, this includes:
- Reach out: by having regular conversations with employees about how they’re feeling, this open communication can help identify issues early and provide an opportunity for support
- Recognise: being aware of the signs of stress and mental health issues, such as changes in behaviour, decreased productivity or increased absenteeism can help identify concerns
- Respond: by taking action when problems are identified, such as adjusting workloads, providing additional resources or offering mental health days
- Reflect: review the effectiveness of any actions taken, such as whether employees are feeling better supported and if their stress levels decreased
- Routine: by making mental health checks a regular part of workplace culture and normalising these conversations, this can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help
For employees, it’s simply important to recognise when you’re struggling and not be afraid to seek help. Whether it’s talking to a line manager, a union representative or reaching out to a support service, taking that first step can make a world of difference.
Mental Health is a Collective Responsibility
Both employers, colleagues and employees all have a role to play in supporting those who are struggling, and as we approach World Suicide Prevention Day, we at GT Motive are committing to acting by reaching out to those in need, advocating for better mental health resources in the workplace, and simply starting a conversation to make each and every person feel comfortable and supported.
For us, it’s important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and addressing it can save lives. That’s why we’re determined to work together in ensuring that no one in the motor industry has to suffer in silence.
UK Resources For Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are several UK resources available for support:
- Samaritans: a 24/7 helpline offering confidential support for people in distress, where people can call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Mind: a mental health charity providing advice and support, where people can call their Infoline at 0300 123 3393
- Shout: a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope, where people can text SHOUT to 85258
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): a movement against suicide, providing a helpline and webchat for men and anyone in need, where people can call all 0800 58 58 58
- Ben: specifically for those in the motor industry, offering free and confidential support where people can call their helpline at 08081 311 333
- Papyrus: a charity dedicated to preventing young suicide, where people can call HOPELINEUK at 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
- But if you’re in immediate danger or need urgent help, don’t hesitate to call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department