MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WORKSHOP; IT'S TIME TO PRIORITIZE MENTAL HEALTH IN WORKPLACES
- 01 Jan 2025
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- Mental Health
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, Innerspark, in collaboration with the National ICT Innovation Hub and MindLyfe Limited, organized a mental health workshop centered around the theme 'Let’s Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.' The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, especially in the workplace, and equip participants with tools and strategies to improve mental health practices within their organizations. The event took place in the boardroom of the National ICT Innovation Hub and attracted a total of 50 participants from various organizations including government, private sector, academia, and healthcare institutions. Winfred Nankanja, Communications and Public Relations Associate at the National ICT Innovation Hub, welcomed the guests, introducing the importance of mental health in workplace settings and how the theme aligned with organizational well-being. Thomas from Innerspark gave a heartfelt presentation about his brother’s mental health breakdown due to workplace stress. He highlighted the pressures of managing large software projects and the neglect of personal mental health. Additionally, Kawekwa Douglas, Founder of MindLyfe Limited, spoke about mental health stigma and how technology, specifically teletherapy, could help reduce mental health challenges in workplaces. The workshop included a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Nassuna Margaret, a psychiatric clinician at Innerspark, with panelists Drileba Daniel, Elizabeth Atim, Jane Tamale, and Nyongyera Bettes. They explored critical topics like workplace burnout, mental health stigma, and HR's role in promoting mental wellness. The panel highlighted how burnout is fueled by factors such as excessive workloads, job insecurity, and poor communication. Their recommendations emphasized the importance of fostering empathy, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, and offering mental health incentives and rewards. Participants were divided into five groups led by experts like Mubiru Rashid, Mbabazi Jovia, Nassanga Margaret, and Elizabeth Atim. The groups discussed coping strategies, workplace flexibility, and self-care methods to better manage mental health. The Mental Health Day Workshop effectively raised awareness of workplace mental health, offered practical strategies, and sparked interest in further burnout training, counseling, and broader community events.
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