Support at Work

Awareness of mental health is increasing, but we still face a world where people with mental health problems face discrimination and can face challenges getting the help they need. [...] A balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruit is essential for good physical and mental health. It can be hard to keep up a healthy pattern of eating at work. [...] 8 Your GP may suggest ways that you or your family can help you, or they may refer you to a specialist or another part of the health service. [...] When we are stressed, it can seem even harder to take the breaks we are entitled to – when we need them most. Try and plan periods of leave for the year so that you always have a break to look forward to. [...] If they are, work towards the change in small steps. Self-acceptance and self-care can be very hard when you have a mental health problem – an ongoing challenge people need to work on. [...] In other jobs, you can choose to be there for colleagues – either as a team-mate, or as a line manager, when strategies like coaching and training are good ways to support others. Helping can make us feel needed and valued, and that boosts our self-esteem. [...] Caring responsibilities at home can be hugely rewarding to us, but also a source of stress. Our roles as parents, or carers for relatives, can collide with our work identities. Carers are at greater risk of developing mental health problems and employers should be mindful of the challenges that carers may face with their schedules and additional responsibilities. Workplaces that support fle [...] If you are concerned that a colleague might be having thoughts of suicide, the best thing you can do is ask them directly.33 By asking directly, you can empower someone to tell you how they feel and let them know they are not a burden. [...] Whether you are a manager or a colleague, keeping in touch and letting someone know you care is a great way to prevent awkwardness.35 You could: Ask the person who is off work what they would like their colleagues to be told. [...] Appraisals and career development can be very challenging to people who have lived experience of mental health problems. It can be hard to think about strengths if your self-esteem is poor, and receiving feedback – positive or negative – can be very difficult.