Today is World Mental Health Day. Every year this globally recognised day focuses on a different aspect of mental health to raise awareness and support people who need it the most. This year’s focus is suicide and suicide prevention.
Through Carnival UK’s My Mind Matters programme, we are continuously promoting a healthy working environment which supports positive mental health, focusing on prevention and tackling mental health stigma in the workplace.
In support of World Mental Health Day, we’re encouraging everyone to #AskTwice.
According to Time To Change, globally every year, close to 800,000 people take their own lives, with many more attempting suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Did you know that it’s the leading cause of death among young people aged 20-34 years in the UK? It’s also the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds worldwide.
Suicide is preventable and can be avoided. That’s why, as heroes of safe and well, we should all be asking twice.
What is #AskTwice?
The average person in the UK will say they are fine 14 times a day in response to the question ‘how are you?’ A person who is hiding how they really feel is likely to do the same. By asking twice it shows that we’re genuinely interested in a person’s response and concerned about how they’re doing. It also shows that we’re investing the time in listening to their answer and not just asking out of nicety.
We don’t need to be experts in mental health to listen. If you see a colleague who looks like they need some support, ask them how they are. Twice. We don’t need to be afraid of not having all the answers. We just need to be someone our colleagues can talk to.
Watch the short film below to find out more.
Professional support from our Employee Assistance Programme.
If you or a colleague are ready to seek support for your mental health, Validium is the shore colleague Employee Assistance Programme. They provide counselling, support and practical information for whatever problems people are facing. It’s free to use and the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact Validium
Call: 0800 3 58 48 58 (outside the UK +44 141 271 7179)
For online support join: Validium.com/vClub
Username: Carnival
Password: Harbour
Ships’ company colleagues have the free, 24 hour support of GuidanceResources Worldwide. Find out more in Wavelength.