Time to Talk....or is it? Beware of the Overshare
Emily Pearson, Dip MHCC, RCP
Become the best Wellbeing Lead you can be with the Wellbeing Lead Academy | Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist 2021 | Recovery Coach Professional
The power of disclosure
Disclosure can be a powerful tool in tackling stigma and leading change in attitudes to mental health within your workplace. Part of changing workplace culture has been to encourage more open discussion of mental health in the workplace.
This means that you may find that colleagues are more likely to tell you about their own thoughts, feelings, experiences and concerns. They may be sharing these as a way to seek mental health support.
Understanding when to disclose your story If you decide that you wish to disclose your own experiences, remember that you are always in control of what and how much you share. Telling your story can be rewarding and liberating, can promote self-confidence in your role and reach out to those going through similar experiences.
However, before you disclose your experiences, you may find it helpful to consider the following questions:
? What are your motivations for sharing your story, and what messages do you want people to come away with?
? What impact could disclosing your experience have on yourself and those around you?
? What do you feel comfortable sharing with others but more importantly what do you not want to share about your experience.
Based on your responses to these questions, think about how you could categorise your experience in terms of elements you are comfortable sharing, and elements you may prefer to keep private. Bear in mind that you may feel differently at different times; for example, on some days you may not wish to share your story at all, whereas at other times you may feel more confident doing so.
Considering the Impact
It’s important to think about the impact that sharing this may have on you. Always make sure that you have support in place if you find situations difficult, or uncomfortable feelings arise.
Disclosing safely
To ensure that you are upholding your safety and that of others around you when disclosing your experiences, follow the below recommendations:
? Prepare an outline of what you want to share and how you wish to communicate it
? Know your strengths as a communicator – is this best communicated verbally, in a written format, or even through a video?
? Be aware that your story may be triggering for someone to hear or read. Recognise this, and make sure that you mention this before you begin
? Consider having a support person available, so that those you are addressing can find help it they need it
? Read up on the various mental health conditions that your experience may relate to, so that you are well-prepared for any questions
? Practice what you want to say beforehand
? Offer a signposting option, so that your audience are clear on where and how they can access further support, should they need it
? Consider how people are likely to react. Remember that everyone is different, and be prepared for a range of different reactions
? Remember to look after your own needs; once you have shared your experience, reflect on how you feel, and seek support if necessary
Maintenance Technician at Northumbrian Water Limited
4 年I disclose regularly about my Mental Health and my Stutter. As part of my speech program it is one of the main tools I use to accept my stutter. I use disclosures to manage my Mental Health and it really helps me and opens up the minds of others
Wealth of knowledge in education, hair and beauty sector, specialist in Curly Hair and our own training academy
4 年Fantastic Emily Pearson as always
Founder & Alchemist at The Wellness Revolution | Unleashing Human Potential | Motivational Speaker | Employee Wellbeing | Culture | Offsites & Retreats
4 年This is such a great article. Disclosure can be such a minefield, even with the best intentions, it can leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable. These are really empowering recommendations for cultivating psychological safety inside and outside. Thanks for sharing Emily.