At Oakwood Solicitors, we understand that mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, both in our personal lives and professional environments.
As we highlight Mental Health Awareness Day, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health and the steps we can take to support ourselves and those around us.
What is Mental Health Awareness Day?
Mental Health Awareness Day is observed annually to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote the importance of mental well-being. It serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and that everyone can benefit from open conversations about mental well-being.
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Poor mental health can lead to various issues, including anxiety, depression, and other serious conditions. At Oakwood Solicitors, we recognise that our team members’ mental health is crucial not only for their personal lives but also for fostering a productive and supportive workplace.
Supporting mental health in the workplace
Creating an environment that prioritises mental health is essential for any organisation. Below we list five ways to start conversations around mental health in the workplace.
Tips to start a conversation about mental health
Asking questions can give people an opportunity to express how they are feeling. Try to ask open ended questions, that are not leading or judgemental. For example ‘how was work today?’ or ‘how are you feeling today?’
- Think about the time and place
Think about when and where you are asking the question. Maybe asking them as soon as they have got through the door after a busy day at work, or in a public place is not the best time to ask them a personal question.
Meanwhile, sometimes it is easier to have a discussion while you are both preoccupied doing something else, rather than sat face to face eating dinner.
Although it can be hard to see someone you love going through a hard time, try to resist the urge for a quick fix to their problem. Supporting and talking to a loved one, can be just as powerful as they work through their own battle.
Try not to treat them differently because they are struggling with their mental health. They are still the same person and will not want to be treated any differently.
Someone suffering with their mental health might not open up the first time you ask them how they are feeling, but that doesn’t mean you should stop asking. Be patient, and when they are ready to talk they will know you are there to listen
If you or a loved one is struggling with their mental health, you should seek professional help.
Our Mental Health First Aiders
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we want our employees to feel safe and supported at work, as we aim to create a worry-free environment for all.
Therefore, we have a dedicated team of mental-health first aiders within the firm who are trained to provide advice and to help you, confidentially, navigate whatever you might be struggling with. Members of staff who would like to speak to them can give them a call or drop them an e-mail to arrange a chat at a mutually agreed time.
Stress at Work and Mental Health
In some cases, an employee’s mental health may be affected by excessive stress at work. This is often caused by unmanageable workloads, unreasonable deadlines or unsafe working conditions.
If you have suffered from stress at work which has amounted to causing a mental health condition, you may be entitled to make a claim. Click here for our Stress At Work guide.
Mental Health Charities
Charities including Mind and Mental Health UK are on hand to offer support.
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Telephone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org/
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Website: www.rethink.org
Further reading
Stress at work claims – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Emma Piorkowska joined Oakwood Solicitors in October 2009 and qualified as a Solicitor in September 2013. Emma works in our Psychiatric Injury and Employment departments, specialising in Work-Re…
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