Online Therapy Supports Employee Mental Health in Remote Work Environments

The Internet has had a greater influence than anything else in the last thirty years on how the typical person receives information. 

‍

The shift to remote work has brought both opportunities and challenges for employees worldwide, including in India. While working from home offers flexibility and comfort, it can also lead to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of physical interaction and clear boundaries between work and personal life can exacerbate these problems.

‍

Online therapy has emerged as a powerful tool to support employee mental health in remote work environments. Accessible, convenient, and confidential, online therapy provides the necessary support for employees to navigate the complexities of remote work. This guide explores the common mental health disorders faced by remote workers, effective treatment steps, and how Rocket Health India can be your partner in achieving mental wellness.

‍

‍

Impact of Remote Work on well-being

Today work may be done from anywhere at any time, and because managers want workers to be available anywhere at any time, it can be challenging for workers to mentally "switch-off" from their work during non-work hours. However, there is reason for concern when employees report high levels of stress, burnout, and work-family conflict.

‍

The body of research on mental health in the workplace focuses on problems with emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enable people to use their cognitive and emotional abilities, explore their potential, and engage with the community while managing the stresses of everyday life in a balanced and effective manner. Human performance and mental health is essentially the same thing, supporting each person's growth and full potential rather than existing as separate entities. For instance, burnout, which is well-known in the workplace, is the outcome of a persistent condition of physical, mental, and emotional tiredness.

‍

‍

Remote work, while beneficial in many ways, can lead to a range of mental health disorders. These disorders often stem from isolation, lack of structure, and the blurring of work-life boundaries. Common issues include anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout.

‍

Let us look at a few in brief:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - Remote workers may feel isolated and disconnected, leading to feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.

‍

Chronic Stress - Continuous stress in a remote work environment can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, often referred to as burnout. Symptoms include headaches, stomach issues, irritability, sleeplessness and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

‍

Social Anxiety Disorder - Despite the remote setting, social anxiety can occur due to virtual interactions and the fear of being judged. Symptoms include intense fear in social situations, sweating, trembling, and difficulty speaking.

‍

Adjustment Disorders - Difficulty adjusting to the remote work lifestyle can cause emotional or behavioural symptoms. These may include anxiety, depression, or disturbances in conduct.

‍

‍

Benefits of Online Mental Health Interventions

Online mental health interventions seem to have a lot of promise since they provide easy, direct access to services that people might not otherwise have, especially considering that over two thirds of individuals with diagnosable mental illnesses choose not to seek help. Online interventions offer the outreach aspect that mental health services have consistently sought.

‍

Online interventions can also provide people with more privacy and anonymity, and they can be an affordable way to reach marginalised and minority populations as well as those living in remote places. Additionally, people feel less constrained when they communicate online, which could lead to more introspective and personal expression of emotions.

‍

‍

However, online mental health interventions are not meant to completely replace in-person interventions. They can serve as a person's entry point to receiving in-person assistance as well as an addition to it; that can take place by email, chat, forums, audio, or video. It is provided either individually or in groups by a licensed mental health practitioner.

‍

Online interventions may go beyond the traditional disease model and traditional patient - doctor interactions, as healthcare evolves from merely diagnosing and treating issues and conditions to realising the value of health management — assisting people in becoming empowered, informed, and actively involved in their health throughout their entire life span. These kinds of therapies can assist individuals in self-identifying possible issues before they have a significant impact on their lives and provide them with self-directed interventions that lessen the chance that the issue will develop into a major disorder.

‍

‍

Treatment

Employee focused programmes for mental and emotional well-being:

An innovative approach to be implemented at work is the integration of mental health programming into all employee development activities.

1. Create or organise projects and programmes related to mental health - training sessions, seminars, and workshops with the goal of enhancing resilience building, mental health awareness, and stress management skills.

‍

2. Work- friendly atmosphere – assist employees to destigmatize mental and emotional well-being concerns, which enhances psychological well-being and productivity.

‍

3. Access to mental health care through the use of mobile apps, online platforms, and virtual therapy services - providing employees with resources, self-help tools, and professional treatment; leading to better mental health outcomes and early intervention.

‍

‍

Boundary Setting

Therapists can help employees set healthy boundaries between work and personal life, which is crucial in a remote work setting. Counselling on effective time management and organisational skills can improve productivity and reduce burnout.

‍

Enhanced Communication Skills

Therapy can enhance communication skills, helping employees better express their needs and concerns in a remote work environment. Therapists can provide strategies for resolving conflicts that may arise in virtual teams.

‍

Emergency Support

Many online therapy platforms offer 24/7 support, ensuring that help is available whenever it is needed. There is immediate access to crisis intervention services if an employee is experiencing severe distress or a mental health crisis.

‍

Integration of Mindfulness practice and challenging the disturbing thoughts:

Employees who get CBT and mindfulness interventions report benefits in terms of overall wellbeing as well as work-related outcomes including burnout and weariness, job satisfaction, work-family conflict, and work-family balance.

1. Various activities/ exercises of mindfulness can be implemented with and without facilitation of the professional, like – mindful eating, mindful walking, observing routine activities, mindful walking, mindful movements, breathing exercises, and many more.

‍

2. The therapists/ professionals facilitate the employee in understanding and differentiating facts and opinions, recording the thoughts, identifying errors in thoughts, challenging negative thoughts, modifying rules and assumptions and alternating thoughts positively.

‍

‍

Conclusion

As remote work continues to be a significant part of the modern work environment, addressing employee mental health is crucial. Online therapy offers a practical and effective solution for managing mental health issues related to remote work. By recognizing symptoms, seeking professional help, and implementing healthy routines, remote workers can maintain their mental well-being. Rocket Health India stands out as a reliable partner in this journey, offering specialised and accessible mental health support.

‍

Online therapy provides a flexible, accessible, and confidential platform for addressing mental health issues. It allows employees to receive professional help without leaving their homes, making it easier to fit therapy into their busy schedules. With online therapy, individuals can choose therapists who specialise in their specific needs, ensuring tailored and effective support.

‍

Rocket Health India offers comprehensive online therapy services designed to support the unique mental health needs of remote workers. With certified therapists, a secure and confidential platform, and a commitment to holistic care, Rocket Health India ensures that employees receive the best possible support. Their focus on client feedback and tailored sessions ensures that each individual gets personalised care that addresses their specific challenges.

‍

Take the first step towards better mental health. Contact Rocket Health India today to schedule your online therapy session and start your journey to a healthier, happier you.