Mental health concerns us all

At vgbe, we aim to foster a working culture in which mental health can be discussed openly and respectfully. Our aim is to raise awareness of mental health issues, break down prejudices and ensure support is available at an early stage.

Everyone may face challenges or stress at some point in their lives. That is why we want to help ensure that seeking help is seen as a natural step to take. After all, mental health is a vital part of health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.

Mental health is an essential part of our wellbeing, our ability to perform and our quality of life. It influences how we think, feel and act, how we cope with challenges and how we work with others.

Stress is an inevitable part of both our professional and private lives. Changes, high demands at work, personal crises or health challenges can mean that people need support from time to time.

At vgbe energy, we want to help raise awareness of mental health, break down prejudices and offer support at an early stage. Our aim is to create a working culture in which mental health issues can be discussed openly and support services are easily accessible.

Mental health issues are among the most common causes of long-term absence from work. At the same time, many people find it difficult to talk about their mental health concerns or to seek support at an early stage.

The following principle applies:

The earlier mental health issues are recognised and addressed, the more effective appropriate support measures can be.

Mental health affects us all – regardless of role, position or personal circumstances. It is therefore an important part of a holistic approach to health and safety.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) describes an internationally recognised approach to promoting mental health and providing early support to people experiencing mental distress or in mental health crises.

The concept was developed in Australia in the early 2000s and has since become established in numerous countries worldwide. The programme is based on the recognition that mental health conditions and distress are widespread, yet early signs are often not recognised or addressed. At the same time, many affected individuals are unsure about suitable support services or who to turn to for help.

The aim of Mental Health First Aid is to empower people to recognise the signs of mental health distress at an early stage, to have a supportive conversation and, where necessary, to refer those affected to appropriate professional support services. In doing so, MHFA draws on the tried-and-tested principle of first aid for physical illnesses or accidents: by acting early, stress can be better understood, barriers can be broken down, and those affected can be supported on their journey towards further help.

Numerous international studies show that Mental Health First Aid can help to improve knowledge of mental health, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and increase people’s willingness to seek help at an early stage or to offer support. In this way, MHFA makes an important contribution to fostering an open, supportive and health-promoting corporate culture.

MHFA Website

Mental Health First Aiders are specially trained support contacts who can assist colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties or going through difficult life situations. Their role is to recognise the early signs of mental health issues, approach those affected with openness and respect, and offer guidance through a confidential conversation. In doing so, they listen attentively, help people to make sense of their difficulties, provide information about internal and external support services, and, if requested, assist in finding suitable professional help.

Mental Health First Aiders provide initial support on an equal footing and help to break down barriers and make it easier to talk about mental health. They can encourage those affected to seek support at an early stage and act as a bridge between the first signs of distress and professional support services.

Mental Health First Aiders do not perform any therapeutic or medical functions. They are not a substitute for psychotherapists, doctors, social counselling services or other healthcare professionals. They do not make diagnoses or carry out therapeutic interventions. Rather, their role is to listen, provide guidance and facilitate access to appropriate support services.

A conversation with a Mental Health First Aider can be helpful in many situations – for example, in cases of persistent stress, feeling overwhelmed, sleep problems, personal or work-related pressures, mood swings, or even if you are worried about a colleague. There does not need to be an acute crisis. Often, an early conversation can help you make sense of your own situation, gain new perspectives and find out about suitable support services.

Mental health issues can affect any one of us – whether due to challenges at work, changes in our personal lives or stressful life circumstances. It is not always easy to talk about these issues or to take that first step.

The following colleagues have successfully completed their training as Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) and are available as confidential points of contact. They are there to listen, help you make sense of stressful situations and provide information on suitable internal and external support services.

Naturally, all discussions are confidential and take place on a voluntary basis. The Mental Health First Aiders see themselves as a first point of contact and a source of guidance, but they are not a substitute for professional medical or psychotherapeutic advice.

Dr. Lukas Biesen
Health & Safety
vgbe energy e.V.

☏ +49 201 81 28 253
✆ +49 151 18248006
✉ lukas.biesen@vgbe.energy

Deilbachtal 173, 45257 Essen, Germany

Dr. Gregor Lipinski
Health & Safety
vgbe energy e.V.

☏ +49 201 81 28 272
✆ +49 152 03867528
✉ gregor.lipinski@vgbe.energy

Deilbachtal 173, 45257 Essen, Germany

Please note:

If you are unsure whether a conversation with a Mental Health First Aider is right for you, you can contact us at any time, with no obligation. Together, we can discuss what support options might be helpful in your situation. This may also include referring you to the RWE Social Counselling Service or other professional support services.

In addition to the Mental Health First Aid programme, vgbe works in partnership with RWE Social Counselling, thereby offering its employees access to professional and well-established counselling services.

RWE Social Counselling supports employees with professional, personal and family issues and offers expert advice in difficult life situations. The aim is to provide support to those affected at an early stage, offer guidance and, where necessary, identify suitable support services.

The range of counselling services includes, amongst other things:

    • mental health issues and stressful situations,
    • exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed,
    • conflicts in the workplace or private life,
    • personal crises and situations of change,
    • family challenges,
    • addiction issues,
    • social and financial issues,
    • referrals to further support services.

The advice is provided independently, confidentially and on a voluntary basis. By working with RWE’s social counselling service, vgbe ensures that employees have access to professional support in addition to their internal points of contact.

The combination of Mental Health First Aid and external social counselling provides low-threshold access to support and helps to promote mental health as an integral part of a modern health and safety culture.

Contact
The contact details for RWE Social Counselling are available internally to vgbe employees.

Mental health issues or crises can manifest differently from person to person. Not every sign necessarily indicates a mental health condition. However, if changes persist over a longer period of time or several signs occur at the same time, it may be advisable to seek support or talk to someone you trust.

Possible signs may include, for example:

    • Significant mood swings, social withdrawal or changes in behaviour
      Those affected may appear unusually irritable, low-spirited or emotionally distressed. Some may withdraw from colleagues, friends or family, or display behaviour that differs significantly from their usual demeanour.
    • Persistent sleep disturbances, problems concentrating or reduced performance
      Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, constant exhaustion or problems concentrating may be signs that a person is under increased psychological pressure.
    • Loss of interest, lack of motivation or feelings of being overwhelmed
      Activities that used to bring joy are increasingly avoided. Everyday tasks or work demands may be perceived as particularly stressful, whilst motivation and drive noticeably wane.
    • Changes in the use of alcohol, medication or other addictive substances
      An increase in the consumption of alcohol, medication or other substances may be an indication that someone is trying to cope with stress or negative feelings.
    • Feelings of hopelessness, despair or indications of suicidal thoughts
      Comments about life feeling meaningless, profound hopelessness or indirect or direct references to suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously. In such situations, it is important to offer support and, if necessary, to seek professional help

Mental health issues are not uncommon and can affect anyone at different stages of life. Talking about difficulties at an early stage and accepting support can help people to cope better with these issues and find suitable support services.