In the modern working world, where deadlines loom and responsibilities pile up, it’s crucial to recognise the intricate relationship between mental health and physical well-being. Recent studies have shed light on the impact of psychological health on heart health, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
So can having a mental health condition negatively affect heart health and increase the risk of heart disease?
Well, yes.
The mind-heart connection is more profound than we often realize. The National Heart Foundation reports that anxiety, depression, and chronic stress contribute to a heightened risk of heart disease.
And it’s not just the usual suspects of anxiety, depression and stress that contribute to your chances of heart disease either. Social isolation, loneliness, and work-related stress are psychosocial stressors that impact both mental and heart health. These stressors can elevate blood pressure, increase inflammation, and strain the cardiovascular system.
How then, do we create workplaces that are mentally healthy (and therefore heart-healthy)?
A few ways might be to look at:
- Job Design and Control: High-demand, low-control jobs can lead to stress and heart-related issues. A key focus should be on job design that ensures that tasks are manageable and provide a sense of control.
- Team Support: Colleagues and managers play a vital role. A supportive work environment fosters better mental health. Visible Mental Health First Aiders in an organisation can be one way to show commitment of workplace wellbeing, along with education sessions and webinars accessible to all levels of your workforce, and visible promotion of your organisation’s EAP if you have one.
- Organisational Factors: Employees’ efforts should be recognised and rewarded. Fairness, justice, and a positive culture all contribute to overall health.
Healthworks have a range of services that can assist with improving the heart health of your employees, including services that deal with mental health and psychosocial factors.
In the Australian business landscape, prioritizing mental health isn’t just a feelgood action—it’s strategic. By fostering mentally healthy workplaces, businesses can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and ultimately contribute to better heart health for their employees. It’s a win-win for everyone.
