EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Problems due to missing 'basics' in peoples lives tend to develop over time, and so can be easily missed. Then, when the problem arises - be it anxiety, depression, addiction or some other ISSUE - they can't seem to fathom out why! Emotional Well-being is driven by the following needs; you can check your list and apply the necessary nutrients. So here's the list. (At least, our LIST OF NEEDS. If you think we've missed any, do let us know!)

1. GIVE AND RECEIVE ATTENTION."No Man is an Island"

Without regular quality contact with other people, mental condition, emotional state and behaviour can suffer quite drastically. This is often particularly obvious in elderly people who have become isolated. After days alone, their first contact may be their GP, who sees them for 10 minutes.

2. MIND BODY CONNECTION.Taking heed of the mind body connection is so important, and so often neglected. Without correct and regular nutrition, sleep and exercise, your psychological state can suffer considerably. It is often seen that the school age and working class adult, succumb to one mental illness or another. Their mealtimes, sleep patterns and other regular habits become disrupted, with predictable consequences.

It seems that people are increasingly treating themselves as machines!

3. PURPOSE, GOALS, AND MEANING."An idle mind is the devil’s workshop."

Perhaps the distinctive element that sets human beings apart from other animals is the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems. This is what has enabled us to develop to where we are.

If this ability is under-used, the imagination can start to create problems of its own - perhaps in an attempt to give you something to do because it is not occupied doing anything else. In other words, if a person is deprived of the outward focus and satisfaction created by achieving goals, mental illness is often close behind.

4. A SENSE OF BELONGING, COMMUNITY AND MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS.One obvious fulfiller of this need is religion, but can also be an idea shared with others, a club, charity or community work. In fact, anything that takes the focus off the self.

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It gives them a reason for being, over and above their own personal needs, that has been shown to benefit the immune system, mental health and happiness.

5. CHALLENGES AND CREATIVITY.Learning something new, expanding horizons, improving on existing skills all provide a sensation of progress and achievement. Without this, a person can feel worthless, or that there is no real reason for their being.

6. ATTENTION, LOVE AND INTIMACY.People have a need to share their ideas, hopes and dreams with others close to them. For some, this can be as simple a talking to a loved pet, but for most of us, it requires that we have at least one individual with whom we can converse 'on the same level'.

7. SENSE OF CONTROL."Do not put all your eggs in one basket."

The results of total loss of control over your surroundings, relationships or body are not hard to imagine, and have been well reported / documented.

From survivors of abuse / torture, to someone losing their job, those who are able to maintain a sense of control somewhere in their life fare the best. This is why having a variety of interests and activities is so important.

8. SENSE OF IMPORTANCE.It’s important to feel important, if someone feels recognised for being a grandmother or parent or good son or daughter, this may be enough. Generally, people finding their feet can have improved self-esteem if they feel they have attained a position of trust and recognition.

9. SENSE SAFETY AND SECURITY. We need to feel our environment is basically secure and reasonably predictable. Financial security, physical safety and health, and the fulfilment of other basic needs all contribute to the completion of this need. As with all of the following needs we can take it too far and become obsessive about it – you will see this sometimes if the need for creativity is not met.

ONE LIFE BUT MANY NEEDSIt may seem that a life that meets all of these needs would be intolerably busy. But of course, one activity can meet many needs. Charity work for example, could be said to fulfil 1, 3, 4 and 5, and could contribute to 6 and 7.

Walking with a friend as a pastime might go towards 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Generally, what this suggests, and what has been borne out by recent research, is that a more complex life is a healthier one.

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Then if one area of life fails or is taken away from you, your basic needs are maintained, at least in part, by those that still exist.

PROMOTING EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AT WORK

1. WHAT MANAGERS CAN DO

Examples of ways you can do this by exhibiting good practice in your dealings with staff include:

promoting effective management practices including those covering induction and probationary processes, mentoring, staff review and development (appraisal), informal group and individual consultation, an ‘open-door’ policy on the part of line managers, good communication throughout the organization;

encouraging awareness of stress and its negative impact on staff health and satisfaction, performance and productivity;

ensuring that all staff have role descriptions that clearly set out their duties, responsibilities, reporting lines and accountabilities and are regularly reviewed;

ensuring that staff have access to staff development or training provision to develop skills, backed up by regular appraisals;

giving positive feedback when staff have done well, constructive criticism when things have not gone so well and actively listening to their responses;

letting staff use their skills and experience through practical work schedules, increasing their control at work, involving them in decision-making;

setting work targets and standards that are realistic but include an element of challenge;

being aware of, and managing, change processes impacting on staff, including the effects of computers on their work; during organizational change providing regular updates;

guarding against and not tolerating bullying, harassment, or other behaviours that can affect health

helping staff balance work and personal/family commitments; helping staff accommodate disabilities;

training and supporting managers in carrying out risk assessments; developing action plans to control problems identified by the risk assessment

process.

2. WHAT STAFF CAN DO

Examples of ways in which you can do this include:

ensuring you are clear about your role and your manager's expectations; ensuring you have clear job objectives that are regularly reviewed and

monitored; managing your time effectively; ensuring there are areas of working life that you have control over;

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cultivating a constructive relationship with your manager, addressing work related problems early and discussing any matters, issues or concerns with him/her;

co-operating with colleagues to promote good working relationships and support;

identifying and requesting support required to do your job; knowing how to access objective, confidential support when necessary e.g.

Occupational Health, Human Resources, Counseling Service; reviewing work/home balance regularly, engaging in activities / hobbies

outside work and exercising regularly.

Compiled by: Omodan ISIBOR (Miss)

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