WGPlus (Archive)
Not having perfect teeth or a toned body is normal! |
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Body Image – how we think and feel about our bodies – and this can lead us to thrive or hide in the workplace. While it may feel internal, it has always played out in how we want to ‘appear’ in the workplace, and it is intensifying with social media and the pressure to look a certain way. Why is image so important, and how can we bring our whole selves to work and be proud of who we are? For the Civil Service, and the 430,000 people who work here, our identity, what we stand for and the difference we make, gives us meaning and purpose. Being ourselves at work creates diverse & inclusive cultures, uniting teams and empowering individuals. Having this acceptance & trust can improve our creativity, decision-making & ability to perform and progress in our careers. Body image can cause low self-esteem, vulnerability and isolation. These emotions aren’t left at home, they come to work too. It may be difficult to know how to help, but sufferers are the experts in their conditions and what support they need. Sometimes the best way of helping is to listen, understand and be comfortable talking about mental health. Whether it is body image issues, anxiety or any other mental health condition, help is available. It is inclusive support, not intrusive support. Share what you need to share to get better and flourish. Read the full Blog for some ideas to help you on your journey. |
Researched Links: |
Civil Service: Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 – how body image can affect us Civil Service: 'This is me' - opening up about mental health ScotGov: Addressing body image NHS to give therapy for harmful social media as part of plan to tackle rare eating disorder Top doctor calls for ban on ‘damaging and misleading’ celebrity social media ads NHS Confed: Mental Health Network: Look harder at effects of TV advertising on mental health Body Image | National Eating Disorders Association Body image report - Executive Summary | Mental Health Foundation Body image: How we think and feel about our bodies | Mental Health ... What Happens When Strangers Get Real About Body Image - BBC ... |