Today sees the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. Now more than ever mental health has become a very important topic, which companies are treating with due diligence, respect and support. 

Recently, Simon Pearce, Head of Facility Management undertook training to become FPC’s first Adult Mental Health First Aider. Simon Pearce took part in a fantastic two day training course for which he was awarded with a FAQ L3 Adult Mental Health: Workplace First Aider Qualification.

One in four persons will at some point suffer from a mental health problem at some point. Most problems experienced will only last for a short while, a GP will probably prescribe some form of medication to support the person whilst they recover from their episode.

Anxiety and depression are the most commonly suffered mental health problems, these are often linked to a traumatic event in the person's life such as a bereavement but these conditions can also be linked to work conditions.

The Pandemic has not only changed the world in the ways in which we were able to move around and the restrictions placed upon society as a whole but it has also seen the emphasis shift and spotlighting on employees mental health.

It is widely acknowledged that the effects on mental health due to the Pandemic have yet to peak. Some leading authorities and charities looking into this field are casting some pretty stark predictions for what is yet to come.

So, what can we all do as fellow humans? Simon Pearce put the question in that phrase so that we strip away titles, positions and all forms of hierarchy to bring us back to what we are, humans! 

Firstly, we all need to be kind and understanding of each other. We all have opinions and thoughts, however if mine are different to yours, we have to be flexible and agree to disagree without being extreme.

We commonly witness berating people on social media for the simplest of posts or thoughts. Our world, although better connected, has become very faceless in our more connected world. Some people, when left with just a monitor, keyboard and a little too much time can write some truly horrible things about others.

Now more than ever we should be looking out for each other, showing the best of ourselves to others who may need a smile or a kind gesture.

The workplace is where we spend a lot of our time. If you are unhappy, this can manifest itself in many ways, all of which will affect your ability to carry out your work to its fullest potential. As colleagues, managers, employers, we all need to be looking out for each other. 

Spotting the signs of someone who may not be coping well either in their personal life or work can include some of the following;

• Being withdrawn
• Becoming loud and overtly expressive
• Restless
• Angry
• Tearful
• Absenteeism 
• Late

In our modern society these should be seen as symptoms of someone potentially struggling with issues.  We should be reaching out to the individual, checking in with them, asking open questions, letting them know you are there if they want to go for a cuppa or to a quiet area for a chat.

There has been a significant increase in companies providing Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) to their employees. This offers the employee a free confidential helpline to discuss any concerns, whether these be personal or work-related. Some EAP  providers also support mental health as well as legal advice as well as on how to manage any financial issues or crisis.

The world has certainly changed from all those years ago when we first started work as a butcher's apprentice who would go home smelling of mince. Mental health was never a discussed subject. Only recently has the topic of mental health emerged from the shadows and really is becoming less of a taboo subject.

Remember to be kind, considerate and understanding towards each other. Don't look the other way and don't be afraid to speak to someone who is not acting their normal self.

You really could be that difference between life and death!

‍