World Mental Health Day: Making Mental Health a Workplace Priority

World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10th October, and this year’s theme—“It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”—is a timely reminder that looking after our mental well-being at work is just as important as physical health.

At Ideamind, we fully embrace this message through our initiative, Healthy Mind at Ideamind, which focuses on creating a supportive environment that prioritises the mental health of our employees.

The Hidden Mental Health Struggles in the Creative Industry

The creative industry is often seen as a field where passion and imagination thrive, but the reality is that it comes with its fair share of challenges. The pressure to constantly create, coupled with competition and the regularity of rejection, can make it a stressful career path.

The old cliché of the “tortured artist” using their creativity to process difficult emotions may sound poetic, but it often masks the genuine mental health struggles many in the industry face. Research from Inspire and Ulster University revealed that people in creative roles are three times more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those in other professions. Anxiety and depression top the list, affecting 36% of creative workers, and worryingly, 60% have considered suicide.

As Peter McBride, CEO of Inspire, points out:
“There’s this popular image of the struggling artist, but it’s far less romantic when it tips over into damaging people’s mental health.”

Addressing Abuse in the Creative Sector

It’s not just the stress of the job that can take a toll. Many in the creative industry also experience psychological and verbal abuse, particularly from clients or customers working for big-name brands. At Ideamind, we are committed to standing up for our employees when they face such treatment. We’ve always spoken out on behalf of our team, and we will continue to do so, ensuring their well-being is protected.

Our Commitment to Mental Health

To mark World Mental Health Day this year, we organised a special well-being session with Ms. Anjali Budawatta. The session covered a range of important topics around mental health, from building resilience to offering practical support for our staff. It was a productive session, sparking valuable discussions and reinforcing our commitment to prioritising our team’s mental well-being.

Looking Ahead: Supporting Our Team Every Day

At Ideamind, we know that supporting mental health isn’t just about one day. Our Healthy Mind at Ideamind initiative is there to ensure that mental well-being is woven into the fabric of our work culture all year round. We’ll keep promoting a healthy work-life balance, fostering an environment where people feel supported, and providing the tools they need to thrive, both at work and beyond.

By putting mental health first, we’re not just investing in our people—we’re investing in the long-term success of Ideamind.