Whilst there are a number of specific things that can be done to address mental health in the workplace when it becomes a problem, fundamentally improving mental health in the workplace starts with culture.
Why culture?
This is because whilst solutions like occupational health services, employee assistance programmes and one-to-one therapy may help people deal with excessive stress (both work-related and not), they are rarely concerned with addressing the causes, which are often rooted in a culture that does not proactively support people wellbeing.
When we intentionally create a culture of wellbeing, one that provides the conditions where people are encouraged and enabled to generate more happy hormones (the hormones that combat the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin that when prolonged and/or excessive can lead to mental health issues), we enable people to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and address the issue at source.
What is a happy hormone?
A happy hormone is a hormone (in some cases, technically, a neurotransmitter) that simply makes us feel good and the validity of them dates back to primitive times, although we didn’t know about them then! Early man and woman were given quite definite rewards for carrying out certain evolutionary actions: they got rewarded when they hunted and gathered and successfully supported themselves and their families and they got rewarded when they connected and collaborated with others to do so.
These rewards included feeling motivated, enthusiastic and empowered, coping well with feelings of fear and anxiety and successfully carrying out day to day activities. It made them more positive and more brave and it enabled them to cope with physical and emotional pain and to do what was necessary to survive.
It’s a chemical response in the brain that produces various neurotransmitters (here referred to as ‘happy hormones’) that act as catalysts for this sort of mentally healthy behaviour.
Whilst we no longer have to go out to hunt or physically defend ourselves, we do still need to operate within these positive parameters if we are going to cope well with challenges, contribute the best of ourselves and ultimately achieve the things we want in life.
So, what are the main happy hormones?
There are four main hormones that create positive feelings:
- D = DOPAMINE
- O = OXYTOCIN
- S = SEROTONIN
- E = ENDORPHINS
beings and when we have a healthy level of them in our body, we feel much better than when we don’t, which means that we perform better too.
How do they keep us feeling more positive?
D is for DOPAMINE
and it’s also for DRIVE
Dopamine literally drives our brain’s reward system, urging us to seek pleasure and motivating us to achieve goals. It also regulates our emotional responses, enabling us not only to identify where rewards might be, but also to take action to move toward them.
Low levels of Dopamine can result in a lack of enthusiasm & motivation and in self-doubt & procrastination and it can also lead to obsessive and/or addictive behaviour.
How can we increase Dopamine in the brain?
Most types of reward increase the level of Dopamine in the brain, which is why when we improve a skill, achieve a goal and/or receive recognition or praise, we feel good.
S is for SEROTONIN
and it’s also for STABILITY
Serotonin regulates sleep, appetite and digestion, as well as anxiety, helping us feel more emotionally settled, maintain mood balance and engage more comfortably in social behaviour. It also regulates memory and learning, enabling us to focus better and to both retain and recall information.
Low levels of Serotonin can cause anxiety, irritability, insomnia, pain, panic and depression as well as difficulty focusing and memory loss.
How can we increase Serotonin in the brain?
A healthy mind and body increases the level of Serotonin in the brain, which is why when we get enough rest and sleep, eat whole foods, drink adequate amounts of water and look after ourselves, we feel good.
O is for OXYTOCIN
and it’s also for ONENESS
Oxytocin is also known as the ‘hug’ or ‘love’ hormone, because it makes us feel loved.
It plays a role in empathy, intimacy and trust
and it regulates social interaction, enabling us
to instigate, build and maintain
satisfying relationships.
Low levels of Oxytocin can result in enhanced fear and distrust, isolating behaviour, and feelings of loneliness which has been shown to reduce life expectancy.
How can we increase Oxytocin in the brain?
Most types of connection increase the level of Oxytocin the brain, which is why when we hug a loved one (or a pet) and interact, spend time or collaborate with people we like, we feel good.
E is for ENDORPHINS
and it’s also for EASE
Endorphins regulate emotional responses by interacting with the opiate receptors (our natural painkillers) in the brain, enabling us to cope more effectively with stress and anxiety. They also regulate physiological responses, enabling us to cope with physical ailments and both physical and emotional pain.
Low levels of Endorphins can manifest in lethargy, reduced tolerance to pain, anxiety and a myriad of physical disorders.
How can we increase Endorphins in the brain?
Physical exercise, laughter and foods like chocolate and chillies secrete endorphins, enhancing feelings of pleasure and increasing immunity, which is why when we do those things, we feel good.
What can you do to create a DOSE culture in your organisation?
In order to both encourage and enable your people to produce more Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins, think about the current situation in your organisation and ask yourself how you can better create the conditions to support this.
Q: What opportunities are there for people to challenge themselves and achieve great things and how are people currently recognised and rewarded?
Q: What is in place to encourage positive connection and satisfying relationships with colleagues, family, friends and the community?
Q: What opportunities are there for people to take breaks, both throughout the working day and during the year in order to switch off adequately to rest their
body and brain?
Q: How is laughter and enjoyment encouraged and what mechanisms are provided for people to engage in physical exercise?
When people have the opportunity to DOSE themselves up with these happy hormones, they actively combat the hormones responsible for prolonged or excessive stress, which can lead to mental health issues, increasing their level of happiness and improving their mental (and physical) wellbeing and enabling them to operate at their optimum and contribute the best of themselves to their life and work.
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