WHY SUPPORTING COLLEAGUES IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE’S MENTAL HEALTH

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day (October 10) is “Is it Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”.

Our Mental Health First Aiders are dedicated to their role and the help, support and understanding they can give to their colleagues and each other. They have all gained the knowledge, awareness,?and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, be confident to start?a conversation, and signpost a?person to appropriate support.

So, as we focus on how we can all support each other in the workplace, we thought we would shine a light on the essential work some of our MHFAiders do and why they feel it is important to support their colleagues in such a way.

Chloe Deacon, Brand Manager - Isover

Why did you volunteer to become an MHFA?

Four years ago I suffered my own mental health crisis. I never thought I’d go through what I did and neither did my friends or family. It can happen to any of us, and I really wanted to give back and help others who may be experiencing something similar.?

How do you look after your own mental health?

I stick to a good work/life balance and take time out for myself, as well as enjoying hobbies such as crochet and reading.

Melinda Dixon, Systems & Improvement Manager

Why did you volunteer to become an MHFA?

I want to give something back and help make support readily available to people. If I can stop anyone from having to go through things alone, it's worth it.

How do you look after your own mental health?

This is harder to answer as it's something I'm not very good at. I have learned though that even if it's something that feels like an effort, like meeting up with friends even though I'm tired and don't feel sociable, if it's something I've enjoyed previously then it will make me feel better if I can get over the hurdle of actually committing to do it.

Mike Murray, Quality Assurance Lead

Why did you volunteer to become an MHFA?

I have always wanted to help people and businesses to be better. When I lost my wife to cancer in 2011, part of me was missing and, through my recovery, I naturally fell into Mental Health First Aid and have never looked back.

How does such a role help people and what processes are in place to spot if someone is struggling?

For me, MHFA Training opens your eyes to what is around you every minute of the day and it gives you the capability to ask the right questions when you see someone struggling, especially with mood swings.

At Isover and Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, we’re proud to have more than 100 fully trained MHFAiders committed to supporting their colleagues through any challenges they might face.?

We encourage other businesses to join us in investing in MHFAiders, to help foster a caring and supportive culture and tackle the stigma of talking about mental health, one conversation at a time.

For more information about World Mental Health Day, visit Mental Health UK.