SPEAKING OUT: OPENING UP ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK
"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Despite growing awareness of mental health in the workplace, many of us still find it daunting to talk about. Yet, good mental health is crucial for our overall well-being, and talking about it openly can be incredibly empowering.
WHY SPEAK OUT ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK?
Although discussing mental health may initially seem intimidating, it’s a powerful tool on the journey towards resilience and recovery. Struggling with mental health can be painful and isolating. But, opening up to others about your situation can help to break down barriers, promote a culture of greater openness and acceptance and lead to better understanding and support from colleagues and employers.
Talking about mental health can help you to understand and better manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours and process what you've been through or are currently going through. It is also essential for getting the guidance, support, and resources you need to help you on your path towards self-care! It's important to remember that mental health struggles are common and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
TIPS FOR SPEAKING OUT
Speaking out about your mental health can be difficult, so it’s important to have a plan in place. Here are some tips to help you get started:
REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT ALONE It’s natural and okay to have difficult times. Many people struggle with mental health issues. It’s ok not to be ok.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACEWhen you're ready to talk about your mental health at work, choosing the right time and place is essential so you feel comfortable and safe.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERSON: You don’t need to speak to your boss if you don’t feel comfortable. Instead, consider talking to a trusted colleague or someone from HR. Choose someone whom you feel is reliable and confidential.
KEEP IT SIMPLE: Being honest and open about what you're going through is important. This can help your colleagues and supervisors understand your situation and provide the support you need. Start by explaining how you’re feeling and how it is affecting your work. Preparing some notes beforehand may help. Remember, you don’t need to go into specifics if you don’t want to.
FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS: Suggest how you can best be supported. For example, ask for flexible working arrangements, a reduced workload, or time off for therapy or medical appointments.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING: Remember that speaking out about your mental health is not a one-time event. It’s essential to check in regularly to ensure you receive the support you need.
PRACTISE SELF-CARE Finally, taking care of yourself both inside and outside of work is important. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking breaks when needed. Taking care of yourself will help you to manage your mental health at work better.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP If you're struggling with your mental health, seeking professional help is crucial. Many resources are available, including employee assistance programs, counselling services, and hotlines. These resources can help you get the support you need to manage your mental health at work.
Talking about mental health and sharing our stories takes courage. It requires vulnerability and honesty. When we're able to articulate what we're going through, we're better equipped to seek out the resources and support that will help us manage our symptoms and improve our overall well-being. Being open about your mental health experiences helps you feel less alone and shows others that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, so they are more likely to reach out for help when needed.
It is perfectly normal not to feel okay at times. So be brave, reach out and find someone to talk to. Remember, speaking out for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
If you’re experiencing mental health issues, there are resources are available to you. Here are some organisations that can provide help and support:
Telephone: 08000 562 561
Website: https://www.educationsupport.org.uk
Providing support for people working in the education sector. Don’t wait for a crisis to call. When you call you’ll talk to a qualified counsellor. We’ll offer you immediate, confidential emotional support.
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday) or text 86463
Website: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines
With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make informed choices. The Infoline gives information on types of mental health problems, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy.
Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line
Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday)
Website: http://www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice
Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff. Rethink also runs Rethink services and groups across England.
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm)
Website: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline
Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.
"The advice I'd give to somebody that's silently struggling is, you don't have to live that way. You don't have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. You can live well with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it because it's really important you share your experience with people so that you can get the help that you need." - Demi Lovato
