Taking care of your mental health is something that shouldn’t be overlooked or taken for granted. It can arguably be more important than looking after your physical health. Having poor mental health can significantly impact your life and those around you.

As it is mental health awareness week, I wanted to take the time to reflect on my own experiences as an employee at the EMAHSN. 

As a trained mental health first aider and mental health champion in a previous role, supporting colleagues in times of need, it came as something of a surprise to find myself requiring mental health support earlier this year. Despite COVID-19 and the consequences of the restrictions placed on the population, some significant personal events took place over the last couple of years resulting in me requiring time off from work with anxiety and depression. These included the death of a close friend from cancer, having a pulmonary embolism and caring for family members with Alzheimer's and dementia.

All non-work related, the cumulative effect of those and other events, resulted in me struggling to function normally daily. Sleep had become minimal, over a long time, due to anxiety. Consequently, I became depressed which then started to inhibit my cognitive ability. I wasn’t myself. This was thankfully recognised by my line manager, who sensitively sought to converse with me about it with the view to getting help and support.

Through her actions, and that of the wider organisation, measures were quickly put into place to identify and provide me with a range of opportunities. These included an occupational health assessment with recommendations, meetings with a dedicated health and wellbeing member of staff, counselling, access to a range of resources and the opportunity to take the time off I needed to get better. I also had ‘touch base’ meetings with my manager whilst I was recovering, which were invaluable.

Things that helped my mental health

In addition to the support I received from my line manager, EMAHSN and host hospital trust, I more proactively educated myself by reading, listening to podcasts, meditating, yoga, practising mindfulness and tapping into my creative side in the garden. As an active sports scientist, I had the physical activity and healthy eating bases covered.

Amongst other things, I’ve learnt that it’s important to make sure you do something for yourself each day and that getting good, quality sleep is vital. Recognising the signs and symptoms of deteriorating mental health and addressing it as soon as possible is crucial. Recognition and acceptance are the most important, for you to manage your mental health and/or seek help.

Being an advocate for mental health I wanted to bring awareness to the support that can be available in the workplace and encourage anyone experiencing poor mental health to discuss it with their line manager if they require help. If not your line manager, it’s important to talk to someone you feel comfortable with, even if it feels like the last thing you want to do.

I feel blessed to be working for a truly supportive organisation that has proactive, supportive staff and policies in place to assist staff with their mental health and wellbeing. The host hospital trust for EMAHSN has many resources and contacts to support mental health and wellbeing. I would definitely recommend taking the time to familiarise yourself with what is available, should you or a colleague ever need it.

If you’re uncomfortable seeking support at work, there’s lots of support out there. The NHS website has a helpful list of mental health, charities, organisations and support groups that can offer expert advice.

Author 

Phillip Stimpson, Senior Lead - Innovation and Improvement