Mental Health Awareness Week
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and never more poignantly so. How we manage and sustain our mental health now will impact our lives far into the future.
Happiness was once defined as having someone to love, something fulfilling to do, and something to look forward to. Many will be experiencing challenges on at least two of those three fronts, with continuing uncertainty hampering the prospect of seeing family and friends, simple weekends away, let alone holidays, festivals or sporting events. And the very essence of our working practices has changed for many, and disappeared entirely for some. And with something fulfilling to do and something to look forward to so readily challenged, further pressure is heaped on the relationships with those dearest to us.In these difficult times, people need trust, compassion, stability and hope from their leaders. Here’s a few simple things we can do to help keep our team members healthy.
Hear each other. Don’t just listen to what each other has to say. Role model compassion and empathy, exploring not solely what people are doing, but how it feels when doing those things. It’s helpful to ask, ‘How are you feeling?’
Be aware. Find out who your team members are worrying about, be those children, vulnerable relatives, shielded parents or friends.
Set context. We’re not getting back to normal just yet, but we are taking positive steps forward on that journey.
Stay positive. It’s alright to acknowledge there are difficulties, but follow that acknowledgement with something positive. Otherwise you are simply imposing your fearful thoughts on others.
Get the right tools. Everyone is experiencing this pandemic differently. Keep the focus on output, not presenteeism. Be the leader that makes sure your people have the necessary tools to be comfortable and to do their jobs properly, not the one that insists on monitoring when and how long people are sitting at their desks.
Source appropriate support. Find organisations willing to provide your staff with confidential health and support in sustaining mental health for those most at risk.