MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

A MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH

www.rsg-plc.com/mental-health

“As an organisation we have spent a great deal of time talking about mental health issues this month as a direct result of the awareness campaign. In itself this is positive but, since the launch, I have also had the opportunity to sit and talk with many colleagues about their personal challenges, something that they might well not have done until the issue was raised.

Overall I think this campaign provides us with a real platform to build on to make sure all of our staff are well supported. If we can help just one person who is experiencing mental health challenges by demonstrating to them that they are not alone and that others are going through similar things then this campaign will have been worthwhile.”

Adam MeadowsAdam MeadowsManaging Director - Solutions. RSG

What is mental health and why should we raise awareness?

How to support a colleague with mental health issues

The support available to you if you have mental health concerns or a mental illness

The impact of stress and how to manage it

WHAT CAN YOU FINDINSIDE THIS GUIDE?

WHY IS UNDERSTANDING & ADDRESSINGMENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

• Mental health is a broad term that covers our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviour are all directly impacted by our mental health. It can change the way we handle stress, relate to people and make decisions. [1]

• Poor mental health can range from periods of feeling down or low, through to more serious disorders such as anxiety and depression. In extreme cases this can also include more severe and less common conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. [2]

• 1 in 4 people suffer from mental illness at some point in their life.

More information about the different types of mental illnesses can be found on the Mind website and at Time to Change.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND AND ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH?

• Despite the high number of people who suffer from mental health issues, there is still stigma attached to this illness.

• Increasing the conversation around mental health, in our homes, with friends and in the workplace, will begin to reduce the social stigma and taboo surrounding the subject.

• Raising awareness will increase the likelihood that those experiencing problems will feel more comfortable to talk about it and seek help and support from loved ones, colleagues and medical professionals.

• A survey conducted by Time to Change showed that 60% of people with a mental illness waited over a year to tell the people closest to them about it. [3] Our hope is that by increasing awareness, it will in turn reduce the feeling of isolation often experienced by those who suffer with this illness.

For more information on the importance of raising awareness of mental ill health, please click here to visit the Time to Change website (https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/).

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE?

• 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace.[4] This is an extremely high number which is creating a closed-off culture with 67% of employees feeling scared, embarrassed or unable to talk about mental health concerns with their employer. [5]

• It is important for employees to feel comfortable enough in their working environment to be able to have an open dialogue with their employer about their mental health and any issues they may be facing.

• Increasing awareness of this in the workplace can help individuals to broach the subject with colleagues, line managers or HR and in turn can lead to increased support and understanding in the workplace.

INFORMATION & SUPPORT

For any help or advice in the meantime, the following websites provide excellent support and guidance for all mental health issues:

• NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/

• Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/

• Time to Change Campaign https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/

• Rethinksupport and understanding in the workplace. https://www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice

For more information about mental health in the workplace, you can find this at the Acas website (http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1900), or can visit the Mental Health Foundation (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-support-mental-health-work).

THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO YOU IF YOU HAVEMENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS OR A MENTAL ILLNESS

SEEKING HELP

It is commonly acknowledged that admitting you might need help is the first step to recovery for many mental illnesses or issues, but it is often also the hardest step to take.

It is always okay to ask for help - even if you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing is a specific mental health problem. Below is an overview of the support available and who to talk to should you find yourself struggling to cope.

The section below on Mental Health Support Services is useful for anyone struggling at any stage of diagnosis.

MOOD SELF-ASSESSMENT

The NHS has a mood self-assessment which uses questions that GP’s often use to assess whether someone is anxious or depressed. This assessment should not be used to replace an appointment with your GP, and should be considered as a basic indicator of your mood only.[1]

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mood-self-assessment/

Whilst this self-assessment is a good guide for getting an idea about what you are experiencing, this is a guide only and it is important to remember that mental illnesses are not limited to anxiety and depression only.

If you have any concerns you should first and foremost talk to your GP, using this self-assessment as a supplementary to a doctor’s appointment, not a replacement.

Your GP

First and foremost you should always talk to your GP. Your GP is there to help with both physical and mental health.

GP’s can make a diagnosis, offer support and treatments, refer you to a mental health specialist and recommend local support options.

Mental health services are free on the NHS but in most cases you will need a referral from your GP in order to get access to these.[2]

For more information on talking to your GP, such as advice on what to say and what might happen in your appointment, please click here to find out more - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/talking-to-your-gp/.

Friends and family

Being able to talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling is an important step and can help relieve feelings of isolation.

Your confidant could help you find information, discuss your options, help with everyday tasks and most importantly provide encouragement and support at a time when you need it.

Whilst talking to someone you trust is a good way to get domestic support, this should be done alongside seeking medical support or advice from a GP and not seen as a replacement.[3]

WHO CAN I TURN TO?

Charity and third sector organisations

Charity and third sector organisations are a great way to talk to someone and they are often free or low cost.[4]

They can offer talking therapies, peer support options, advice services and advocacy.[5]

However, these services are not likely to give you a diagnosis, provide medical services or prescribe medication.

Peer support

Peer support is an opportunity to get together with those who have similar experiences. By talking to your peers, they can support and listen to how you’re feeling, offer empathy and understanding, share experiences and understanding and suggestions for self-care and support options.[6]

More information on the different types of peer support and where to access them is available here - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/peer-support/what-kinds-of-peer-support-are-there/#.Ww_LtVMvwUF.

Work support

Whether you disclose your mental health issues at work is your decision. It’s a personal choice and up to you whether you feel comfortable sharing it.

If you do decide to talk to someone about it, you can say as much or as little as you feel comfortable disclosing.

However if you do need support being open can help you get it, especially if you discuss it with your line manager. This can be done in private and doesn’t need to be shared publically if you don’t want it to be.

Mental Health Support Services

Mind Infoline - Mind infoline gives confidential support and information on mental health related issues including where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy.

Telephone: 0800 072 0353

Website: www.mind.org.uk/information -support/helplines/

SANE Mental Health Helpline - SANE runs an out of hour’s helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. Open every day of the year from 4.30pm-10.30pm

Telephone: 0300 123 3393Website: www.sane.org.uk/what _we_do/support/helpline

Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line - Provides expert mental health information and advice on practical issues. They also give help to carers, health professionals, employers and staff.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Website: www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice

Samaritans - Provides emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supporters allow people to talk about feelings of distress and despair and are confidential and offer non-judgemental support.

Telephone: 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI)

Website: www.samaritans.org

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England - MHFA England offers a variety of articles, videos, information guides, toolkits, etc on mental health first aid skills.

Telephone: 020 7250 8062

Website: https://mhfaengland.org/

THE IMPACT OF STRESSAND HOW TO MANAGE IT

Every year, thousands of supporters across the UK take part in Mental Health Awareness Week, a campaign run by the Mental Health Foundation who are a UK charity working to prevent the increase in mental health problems. This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is focussing on the theme of stress. [1]

Stress and mental health are intrinsically linked: stress can lead to mental health issues, and mental health issues can lead to stress. It’s a vicious circle and stress can have serious repercussions on your long-term health.

Stress isn’t a mental health problem itself, but it can lead to a range of mental health problems if left unmanaged for an extended period of time. By understanding stress and how to reduce it, it can go a long way to tackling mental health problems. [2]

Unfortunately, less than half of employees feel able to talk openly with their line manager if they are suffering from stress.[3]

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is defined as the degree to which you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope as a result of pressures that you feel are unmanageable.[4]

Being under pressure is a normal part of life. It helps you to take action, avoid danger, feel energised and get results. Some stress is natural and can help you stay focused, alert and able to meet new challenges.

However, stress is only healthy if it’s short-lived and too much of it can be harmful to you. Excessive or prolonged stress can lead to serious negative outcomes such as illness and physical and emotional exhaustion.

WHAT CAN CAUSE IT?

There are many things that can cause stress, including the below:

• Increased workload or change in work situation• Illness (your own or that of a family member)• Financial worries• Significant life event such as wedding,

divorce or moving house.

SIGNS YOU’RE SUFFERING FROM STRESS

Long term stress can reduce our quality of life, manifesting itself both emotionally and physically.

If you are suffering from stress, some of the responses you may experience are:

1. Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

2. Feeling overwhelmed3. Tense muscles, aches and pains4. Being easily agitated, moody or frustrated5. Low self-esteem and loneliness6. Difficulty relaxing or quietening your mind7. Feeling overwhelmed or out of control8. Insomnia and sleeping badly9. Low energy and headaches10. Upset stomach11. Chest pain and rapid heartbeat12. Excess sweating13. Frequent colds and infections14. Clenched jaw and grinding teeth

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SUFFERING FROM STRESS

If you find you are suffering from stress for an extended period of time, it’s impacting your everyday life or you’re feeling unwell then it’s important that you talk to your GP. Your GP can provide information, outline support and services available and also arrange treatments if necessary.

If you think that stress is impacting you at work, discuss this with your line manager and they will be able to offer you support in the workplace.

For further information on what to do if you’re suffering from stress, visit the NHS website.

• Ask for help. Everyone needs a hand from time to time. Discuss your workload with your manager. Talk about setting realistic targets and how you can solve any problems you’re having. This is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• Be realistic about what you can do and when you can’t do it. When you set unrealistic goals, you’re setting yourself up for a fall and this will add to your feelings of stress and panic.

• Appreciate what you accomplish. It’s so easy to focus on the next thing on your to-do list and forget to appreciate what you’ve already accomplished. Allow yourself to feel positive about what you are doing and what you have already achieved.

For further guides to managing stress, visit the following websites:

• NHS - 10 stress busters - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/reduce-stress/• NHS - how to tackle stress - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/

understanding-stress/• Mental Health Foundation – how to manage and reduce stress

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress

TOP TIPS FOR STRESS AT WORK & LOOKING AFTER YOUR WELLBEING

FURTHER READING:

• Take a break. Take short breaks away from your desk throughout the day as well as at least half-an-hour away from your desk at lunch. Go for a short walk outside if you can. Relaxing will increase productivity.

• Get that work-life balance. Make the most of your time outside work; being able to switch-off from work helps with our sense of perspective, especially when it comes to stress.

• Develop good relationships with your colleagues. Connecting with colleagues helps to build a support network and will make being at work more enjoyable.

• Get a good night’s sleep. Missing out on a good night’s sleep interferes with productivity, problem-solving skills and ability to focus. The better rested you are, the better prepared you’ll be to tackle your responsibilities and any stress that comes with them.

HOW TO SUPPORT A COLLEAGUEWITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Whilst we might feel more comfortable talking to our friends and family about personal issues such as mental health, talking to and supporting our colleagues can be more difficult due to the sensitive culture of a working environment.

Quite often, people are unsure how to react if their colleague opens up about their mental health or admits they have a mental illness. Below we have outlined some basic do’s and don’ts.

THINGS YOU COULD DO OR SAY IF YOU KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUE HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

• Show them they are valued: If your colleague is off work for an extended period of time, perhaps your team could send a get well soon card in the same way you would if they were off for any other long-term illness. This will remind them they are valued.[1]

• Ask how they are: When your colleague returns to work, ask how they are. You don’t have to be specific about why they were off as this isn’t always appropriate. You could say: “It’s great to have you back. How are you doing?” Even if your colleague hasn’t taken time off, if they’re experiencing mental health problems then it’s still very considerate to ask how they are feeling.

• Listen to them: If your colleague does open up about their experiences, give them time to talk and be sure to listen. Open questions are best as this gives them space to answer without being led to simply say yes or no. It may be best to have this kind of conversation away from others for your colleague’s privacy and comfort.

• Make your colleague feel included: Include your colleague in plans, just don’t put too much pressure on them. Asking if they’d like to join you for lunch will help to make them feel included at a time when they might feel quite isolated, but understand that they might not feel up to it so don’t feel offended if they decline.

• Show them that they are cared for: Small, kind gestures can help people to feel like they are still part of the team and will bring a sense of normality which can be comforting. Ask them if they’d like a cup of tea or include them in your coffee-round.[2]

• Respect their privacy: Don’t gossip about what they are going through.

THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T SAY OR DO IF YOU’RE COLLEAGUE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

• Don’t force someone to talk about their mental health if they don’t want to: It’s their business and it’s incredibly personal. Not everyone wants to discuss their personal life at work so it is crucial that is respected.

• Don’t ask invasive questions: Don’t ask questions such as “why are you depressed?” or “why do you suffer from anxiety?” Not only are these questions invasive, but they also sound quite accusatory and not all mental health problems have an obvious cause or trigger. If your colleague wants to share any personal details, they will.

• Don’t give unsolicited advice: Even if your intentions are good, don’t offer advice unless you have been asked for it. It’s okay to encourage them to seek professional support, or to share your own experiences if they’re relevant (but make sure you don’t make it about you). Don’t try and ‘solve’ their mental health problems and instead ask how you can help: they may welcome your suggestions, but they might also just want to vent. [3]

• Don’t make assumptions: Don’t make any assumptions about your colleague or what they are going through. Be led by them and don’t force anything on them. Mental health charity Mind stresses the importance of not making any assumptions: “If there is one golden rule for supporting a colleague, it is never to assume and always ask.”

If you are seriously concerned about your colleague’s welfare and are not sure how to best support them, then you should talk to your HR department or visit Mind for more information and support.

Mind will be able to provide guidance supporting both those who experience mental health problems and those who care for them. For more information on how to support a colleague, visit Time to Change for guidance and tips.

FURTHER READING:

“The vast majority of colleagues had no idea that I suffered with panic attacks. Following the release of the video detailing my mental health issues I have received nothing but support from people within the business.

Some have been genuinely thankful that someone has spoken out about what is essentially a private issue and others have felt comfortable in sharing some of their challenges. Overall, it has been a very positive experience.”

Adam MeadowsAdam MeadowsManaging Director - Solutions. RSG

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

A MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH

www.rsg-plc.com/mental-health