In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, which was themed around anxiety, we spoke with three of our Mental Health First Aiders. Each shared advice about anxiety and the importance of talking to one another.
Jennifer Silbey, HR Assistant Manager
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health.
We all experience days when we don’t quite feel ourselves for different reasons. If those days become more frequent it’s important, to reach out and speak to someone in a safe environment. This can be a family member, friend, or counsellor. Try focusing on the things you enjoy most in life and take a break from social media which can at times be damaging to our mental wellbeing. Going outside for a breath of fresh air, reading a book you find comforting or creating something – art a meal etc. Most importantly reminding yourself this is temporary.
If you don’t feel ready to speak with someone that’s ok and there are great podcasts available which you may be able to relate to and take positive action from. One I recommend is Happy Place with Ferne Cotton. Ferne speaks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between and reveals what happiness means to them.
Adam Hunter, Audit Senior
I think the most important thing about dealing with any poor mental health, including anxiety, especially at work is to speak to the people around you and build a good support system. Whilst a lot of people still think there is a stigma around talking about mental health, you would be surprised how many people will have had their lives touched by it.
When people have come to me as a mental health first aider to talk about their anxiety, the first thing we will do is talk about what causes it, and if there is anything either myself or senior management can do to make life easier at work. Even if this just means having someone to talk to once a week.
You need to remember confiding in someone else can often open doors and can lift some weight off your shoulders. I believe that everyone deserves to have that support. The mental health first aiders at work have time set aside to support the team and will hold space to talk to you.
Alex Green, Audit Manager
Anxiety is a perfectly natural human emotion. However, where anxiety is particularly intense or difficult to manage, it can impact upon our physical and mental wellbeing and behaviour.
Where this is the case, remember that you are not alone, and help and support is available, whether in the form of friends, family, colleagues, Mental Health First Aiders, or health professionals.
For more advice or support, visit the Mental Health Foundation website by clicking here.
