What is poor mental health?

The World Health Organisation says that: “Mental health is considered to be a state of wellbeing in which a person realises their own abilities, can cope with the stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community.”

In its Campaigning for mental wellbeing at work report, the RMT rail and maritime workers’ union recommends thinking of mental health as something that can fluctuate and can go from thriving to struggling, and at times can result in illness and taking time off work. This analogy is based on the 2017 Farmer/Stevenson government-commissioned report Thriving at work which looked at how employers can best support all employees, including those with poor mental health and wellbeing. Poor mental health is widespread with estimates that up to one in four people will face mental health problems in their lifetime.