Coping with Mental Health in the Workplace.

I haven't spoken about my mental health in a considerably long time, a couple of years in fact. I suppose I've been lucky that sometimes it doesn't affect me too much, until the past couple of months that is. Mental Health is very real, a struggle and I need to talk about it. In 2017 I made the big decision to quit my job in a school for a venture in social media. I left a pretty incredible team at my old job position and within a month of being in the new job I've handed in my resignation notice.

I've never sat at a desk and felt the overwhelming surge of anxiety fill my head and my lungs to the point I end up sat crying in the local doctor's office demanding that something is done about it because I can no longer cope. It wasn't until I left the office environment after a second job that I figured out that was the thing making me feel most anxious. 

Just recently it was reported that 300,000 people with a long-term mental health problem lose their jobs each year. That is ridiculous. A job that is supposed to be something we enjoy, something we strive towards is becoming an environment that no longer feels safe for people. We're all human, we all have our bad days, but for 1 in 4 of us, we experience more than your typical bad day and it's very real. Job's aren't necessarily fun either but can be for someone the only reason they get out of the house every morning, for some, it's more than just paying the bills but kind of a lifeline. 

Coping with anxiety in the workplace is difficult, in fact just talking about the problem is probably the most challenging thing for someone but also the foundations for creating a better working environment for them. 

I'm not embarrassed to have anxiety but what I am embarrassed about is that there isn't enough already in some workplaces to stop those barriers from forming. I am extremely lucky to have been in working environments where the manager has adapted the environment, gave me the space to talk and be listened to. But remember not everyone will talk to their manager so here are a few things that I think makes a good workplace when dealing with mental health and wellbeing. 

• Have a place where people can go if they feel as though they need some time out. Sometimes someone who is feeling anxious needs somewhere they can go to escape so allows them to have one that is accessible to them. 
• Make sure as a team you are an approachable bunch, that can really help someone feel more comfortable to open up with you. 
• Make sure you talk to someone who maybe seems a little quieter recently, are they ok? Sometimes opening up the conversation can break down a barrier that is already there. 
• Offer "tea and talk" sessions that are accessible to the team should they want to chat with someone.
• Talk about the importance of self-care and wellbeing with your team, some people may not be aware of how essential it is and need to kickstart it into their routine.
• Remember the Winter is usually quite a difficult time, suggest treats on the table in the office or maybe suggest getting together. 
• Maybe suggest a well-being afternoon for your staff members. At my old job in the school for a week we could access massages and things! Honestly, they had huge benefits. This would be the perfect time to bring in a wellbeing coach too if you can! 

I know I'm lucky to have an incredible support network of boyfriend, friends and family as well as my local GP to help me load off but imagine if someone didn't have that. Imagine if someone felt pretty shit and riddled with anxiety but had nobody to talk to about it at home, sometimes you are the only people who have listened. Talking is power and dealing with mental health in the workplace is a responsibility for everyone. 

Hopefully this will encourage more positive activity for Mental Health in your workplace!