Mental Health Awareness Month

Understanding Early Signs and Conditions

Many years ago, I was suffering with depression brought on by the death of my mother. I was at a loss, felt sad, anxious, upset and unable to focus. I was fortunate to be working in a supportive environment where my manager listened and supported me. Their words that resonated with me the most were: “How can I help? What can I do to ease your pain?” I felt heard and valued in my workplace and if this support wasn’t there, I am not sure how I would have felt.

We all experience periods of low mood in our lives, but when these feelings persist and begin to disrupt our daily lives, this may signal a mental health issue. Your mental health affects how you feel, think and act and it can refer to your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It can change daily and over time, and can be affected by a range of factors. We will have good days and bad days, and some of us become adept at recognising our triggers. For me, the trigger for loss is a song I associate with my mother, a trigger that can reduce me to tears in an instant. My mother’s loss was sudden and I certainly was never prepared for it. She was my rock and in the blink of an eye that rock was gone. Thanks to the support of my manager, my colleagues and my family, I was able to rebuild my life.

Supporting Colleagues in Their Mental Health Journey

Supporting colleagues through their mental health struggles in the workplace can be challenging – or even considered a taboo subject for some. The fear of not knowing how to respond or what to say often hinders those who genuinely wish to help. However, support is key and just knowing that someone is there for them in priceless.

Employers have the power to empower teams to recognise and support colleagues who are struggling – a responsibility that sits not only with managers, but extends to all team members. Equipping everyone with the tools and the assurance that “It’s OK to not be OK” creates empathetic environment where we all work together with the same goal, to support and be able to give our time to listen, to never judge, often means the difference between feeling lost or supported. We also need to ensure that we are equipped in those first support tools, with mental health first aiders on site who are able to support more complex needs.

Taking Charge of Your Mental Health

Mental health is a personal responsibility, much like taking care of one’s physical health. Your state of wellbeing affects how you manage stress, maintain relationships and make informed choices. It also plays a pivotal role in your relationships with family, community, colleagues and friends.

Some of the signs to look for are:

• Fatigue
• Inability to sleep
• Overthinking and self doubt
• Inability to process emotions
• Strained relationships
• Living in an environment of blame and feeling worthless
• Fear culture (no one understands)
• Low self-esteem
• Withdrawal
• Weight problems

It’s worrying to admit this, but the list is endless.

How You Can Help

In the workplace, being in tune with your team members, noting changes in behaviour and offering time and support are of the utmost value. If you see signs of mental health issues in colleagues, take the time to meet with them for a tea or take them for a walk or consider any of the following:

• Stay in touch while the team member is away from work; learn not to be intrusive, just show you care.
• Fostering a healthy and positive work environment with activities in and out of work - we have created a gardening club and hope it enables the team to see the things that they planted grow into beautiful flowers or produce.
• Encourage social events through a work care committee, where no one is excluded and builds a healthy community
• Organise inclusive charity events where everyone is invited to participate.
• Sharing regular newsletters to keep team members who are on extended leave informed and included.