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Work plays a significant role in many of our lives. It provides structure, purpose, social connection and financial security. For many people, meaningful employment can be a positive contributor to wellbeing and mental health. But when stress levels become unmanageable, or when mental health challenges arise, work can become more difficult to navigate.

This Stress Awareness Week 2-6 November, we're exploring the theme of "Shaping the Future of Stress and Wellbeing: Rehumanising the Workplace." At its heart, this theme reminds us that workplaces are made up of people, not just job titles, targets and deadlines. Creating healthier, more compassionate workplaces means recognising the close relationship between mental health and employment, and ensuring people can access the right support when they need it.

Whether you're struggling at work, returning after a period of absence, looking for employment, or supporting someone who is, understanding the link between mental health and work can make a real difference.

Why Work Matters for Wellbeing

Good work can be beneficial for our mental health. Beyond providing an income, employment can give us a sense of purpose, achievement and belonging. Relationships with colleagues, opportunities to learn new skills and the routine that work offers can all contribute positively to our wellbeing.

For many people, work is also part of their identity. It can help us feel connected to our communities and give us a sense of contribution and value.

However, the benefits of work are often influenced by the environment in which we work. A workplace that prioritises wellbeing, encourages open conversations about mental health and offers appropriate support can help people thrive. In contrast, environments characterised by excessive pressure, poor communication or a lack of support can contribute to stress and negatively affect mental health.

As we look to the future of workplace wellbeing, rehumanising the workplace means recognising that employees are individuals with lives, challenges and responsibilities beyond their role. When organisations embrace this understanding, they create cultures where people feel supported, respected and able to perform at their best.

How Mental Health Can Affect Work and Employment

Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or profession. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress-related difficulties, panic disorders and low mood can impact many aspects of working life.

Someone experiencing poor mental health may find it harder to concentrate, make decisions or manage their workload. They may struggle with motivation, confidence or energy levels. Everyday tasks that once felt manageable can become overwhelming.

Mental health challenges can also affect attendance, relationships with colleagues and overall job satisfaction. In some cases, people may feel unable to continue working without additional support.

Unfortunately, many individuals worry about speaking openly about their mental health in the workplace. Concerns about stigma, judgement or being perceived differently can prevent people from seeking help early.

This is why creating psychologically safe workplaces is essential. When employees feel able to discuss their wellbeing without fear of discrimination, they are more likely to access support before problems escalate.

Early intervention can help people remain in work, reduce the impact of symptoms and improve both personal wellbeing and workplace outcomes.

How Employment Concerns Can Affect Mental Health

The relationship between mental health and employment works both ways. Just as mental health can affect our ability to work, employment challenges can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing.

Concerns about job security, financial pressures, workplace changes, redundancy or unemployment can all contribute to increased stress and anxiety. For those searching for work, repeated applications, interviews and uncertainty can take an emotional toll.

People who have been away from work due to illness may worry about returning. Questions such as "Will I cope?", "What if I fall behind?" or "Will people understand what I've been through?" can create additional stress at an already challenging time.

Similarly, individuals who are managing a mental health condition while working may worry about balancing their wellbeing with workplace expectations.

These concerns are often compounded by the practical and financial pressures that can accompany employment difficulties. Without appropriate support, stress can build over time, impacting confidence, self-esteem and overall mental health.

This is why it's so important to recognise that employment support and mental health support are closely connected. When people receive help with both aspects of their lives, they are often better equipped to move forward with confidence.

Recognising When You Might Need Support

Stress is a normal part of life, but persistent stress can begin to affect both mental and physical health.

Everyone experiences stress differently, but there are some common signs that may indicate it's time to seek support.

You might notice:

• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with everyday tasks.
• Persistent feelings of worry, anxiety or low mood.
• Difficulty concentrating at work.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Increased irritability or frustration.
• Feeling exhausted, even after rest.
• Reduced confidence or motivation.
• Avoiding work-related tasks or situations.
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension or digestive problems.

It's important to remember that seeking support is not a sign of weakness. In fact, recognising when you need help is often the first step towards improving your wellbeing.

The sooner support is accessed, the sooner people can begin developing strategies to manage challenges and regain confidence in both their personal and professional lives.

How Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies Can Help

We provide free, confidential support for adults experiencing common mental health difficulties such as stress, anxiety, depression and panic.

We offer therapies designed to help people understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, while developing practical coping strategies.

Support may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
• Guided self-help programmes.
• Counselling.
• Online, face to face or telephone appointments.
• Workshops and wellbeing resources.

We can help people manage the emotional impact of stress and mental health difficulties while supporting them to build resilience and confidence.

For many individuals, seeking support can lead to improvements not only in mental wellbeing but also in their ability to engage with work, relationships and daily activities.

Importantly, support is available whether someone is currently employed, absent from work, unemployed or looking for a new role.

Spotlight on Employment Support

Alongside therapeutic support, we offer dedicated employment support to help people overcome work-related challenges connected to their mental health.

Employment Advisers work alongside therapy teams to provide personalised support that focuses on people's employment goals while recognising the impact mental health can have on work and confidence.

Staying in Work

Sometimes mental health difficulties can make it challenging to manage work demands. Individuals may feel overwhelmed, struggle with confidence or worry about how their wellbeing is affecting their performance.

Employment support can help people identify practical solutions, explore workplace adjustments and develop strategies to manage challenges more effectively.

The aim is to help people maintain employment wherever possible, while protecting their wellbeing and promoting recovery.

Returning After Absence

Returning to work following a period of sickness absence can feel daunting.

Many people experience anxiety about re-entering the workplace, catching up with colleagues or managing responsibilities following time away.

Employment Advisers can provide support before and during a return to work, helping individuals build confidence, create realistic plans and explore any adjustments that may help make the transition smoother.

Having the right support in place can significantly reduce anxiety and help people return at a pace that feels manageable.

Finding Employment

For those who are unemployed, mental health challenges can sometimes create additional barriers to finding work.

Low confidence, anxiety about interviews, gaps in employment history or concerns about managing work alongside mental health difficulties can make job searching feel overwhelming.

Employment support can help individuals identify their strengths, develop applications, prepare for interviews and explore opportunities that align with their skills and circumstances.

By combining mental health support with practical employment guidance, people are often better equipped to take positive steps towards securing meaningful work.

Remaining in Work and Building Confidence

Employment support is not just about getting a job or returning after absence. It is also about helping people thrive once they are in work.

Building confidence, managing workplace challenges and developing long-term strategies for wellbeing can all contribute to sustained employment and improved mental health.

Employment Advisers can help people identify their goals, address concerns and develop practical approaches that support both career progression and wellbeing.

This holistic approach recognises that recovery and employment are interconnected, and that ongoing support can play an important role in helping people achieve lasting positive outcomes.

Looking Ahead: A More Human Workplace

As we mark Stress Awareness Week, it's an opportunity to reflect on how we can create workplaces that are more understanding, supportive and human.

Rehumanising the workplace means recognising that every employee brings their own experiences, strengths and challenges to work. It means moving beyond productivity alone and valuing wellbeing as a key component of organisational success.

When mental health support and employment support work hand in hand, people are better able to stay in work, return after absence, find employment and build confidence for the future.

No one should feel they have to face workplace stress or mental health challenges alone. Support is available, recovery is possible and with the right help, people can take positive steps towards better wellbeing and a more fulfilling working life.

This Stress Awareness Week, let's continue shaping a future where wellbeing is prioritised, conversations about mental health are encouraged and workplaces are built around people first.

How we can support you:

Our services are here to help people in Norfolk aged 16+ 

Our Employment Advisors are here to support anybody who is currently referred into Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies, by providing advice, motivation, and guidance regarding employment:

• 1:1 support  (self-refer - no GP or diagnosis needed)
• Employment support
• Podcasts
• Blogs

You can self-refer on our website www.nandwtalkingtherapies.org.uk or call 0300 123 1503 (Monday to Friday, 8 am-8 pm).

Other help:

• Free online workshops  covering anxiety, low mood, sleep, relaxation, and coping strategies.