Mental Health – Supporting The Well Being of Your People
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There has been a positive move in the media in recent years towards open dialogue around Mental Health, underpinned by high profile figures such as Prince Harry talking about their experiences. Mental Health is nothing new BUT what is new is the world is starting to listen more openly and this is creating the freedom to talk about it.
In this week’s blog, we look at Mental Health and work. Firstly it’s worth saying that we all have mental health, there will be days when our mental health is good and we feel positive, but there will be days when our mental health is challenged and that is perfectly normal. Talking about Mental Health is one thing but openly admitting it at work can be a whole different ball game. As employers we need to think about whether we create an environment in which people can talk openly.
But before we focus on what you can do for your teams let’s remember that you also have Mental Health and here are some things to think about:
- Often mental health can show up as overwhelm, we feel flooded with feelings and thoughts which we don’t know how to process. This overwhelm can make it hard to think clearly. When you feel overwhelm write it down, often it feels like we have a million things to do and don’t know where to start, by making a list we can be clear about what we actually need to do and work through it in a logical way.
- In addition to making a list, journaling is a great way to get out how we feel. Using a technique called flow writing, which is literally just writing whatever is in your head, even if it makes no sense can be a great way to ‘clear’ things.
- Ask for help, ideally by sharing your feeling and challenges but if that feels a step too far use the output of the above steps and ask for help with getting things done, delegate where you can and share the work. You might want to work with a coach to support this.
- Seek help, there are lots of amazing places to go for help. There are some great organisations such as MIND or the Samaritans. Your GP can also refer you for counselling support.
In the Good Work Plan published by the government, Mental Health is discussed and the plan outlines some of the measures that are being taken in the Civil Service including:
- Encouraging open discussion and conversation. Senior managers are encouraged to share their own experiences to give permission for others to do the same.
- Connect physical and mental health. They can affect one another.
- Embed the importance of wellbeing into the culture and managers mindset.
- Provide managers with resources, tools and training.
- Enable staff to share experiences.
- Offer support through adjustments.
We offer in the workplace Mental Health coaching as well as training for managers, contact us to discuss how we can support you with this important area.