World Mental Health Day 2020
A guest blog from Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest
This year has presented huge challenges for many colleagues in the insurance industry, meaning it’s more important than ever to look after our mental health and personal resilience. We’re excited to celebrate World Mental Health Day 2020 with a guest blog from Rianna Comer from Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest (CHWF).
“We know that one in six workers experiences common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, this is only set to worsen, as many of us are worried about the current situation around coronavirus and are likely to be working from home for longer periods of time. However, in the face of uncertainty, Mind in the City are here to help with expert mental health interventions and bespoke training for City organisations.
“This World Mental Health Day, we’re taking action against the rise in poor mental health among workers, and are launching Mind in the City. Our expert consultancy service has been specially designed to further our vision that nobody should have to face a mental health problem alone.
Actions we can all take today
“Help us celebrate the launch of Mind in the City this World Mental Health Day by doing one thing for better mental health. We’ve put together some of our favourite tips on how to support your wellbeing while working from home:
Maintain a positive work/life balance : when working from home it's easier to work longer hours and to take fewer breaks. Try setting a reminder in your diary for when you plan to finish working, and make sure to take at least a 30 minute lunch break. Going for a walk after work is a great way to unwind and separate the work day from the rest of your evening, think of it as your ‘journey’ home from the office.
Setting aside time to focus: for many, working from home means using apps like Zoom, Teams and Slack. While these are great ways to communicate with your team, it can be a lot harder to find quiet time to concentrate when monitoring multiple platforms. Try temporarily muting notifications for an hour or so, so you can find time to focus on the larger tasks.
Get ready for the work day: just as it’s important to unwind at the end of the day, finding a morning routine can help you get in the zone for work. For many of us this time might have been during our morning commute, and when working from home it can be tempting staying in bed until the last minute. Why not try a 5-10 minute mindfulness video on YouTube to ease you into the day?
Working with employers to improve mental health support long term
This World Mental Health Day, we’re also taking action against the rise in poor mental health among workers, and are launching Mind in the City. Our expert consultancy service has been specially designed to further our vision that nobody should have to face a mental health problem alone.
Mind CHWF’s experience as mental health experts enables us to effectively work with forward-thinking employers, across a range of sectors, who want to demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility, reduce lost profitability, and create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees.
“With mental ill health costing UK employers an estimated £42 billion each year, and more people than ever at work with a mental health problem, Mind in the City will not only save money for companies, but more crucially save lives and livelihoods.”
Mind in the City is is being launched to help employers offer the support that their teams need as we continue to work in challenging and uncertain times.
“Mind in the City is a long-needed initiative, developed by those with an extensive background in providing mental health support, and experience in working with organisations to develop interventions based on their needs. We can support staff directly through training and wellbeing initiatives, as well as empowering line managers to spot the signs of poor mental health in their staff and intervene.
“We take a holistic and person-centred approach to mental health, reflected in the diversity of our employees and their expertise. We are able to offer guidance and support in developing networks for LGBTQI+ and BAME employees, as employers are expected to now more than ever to provide space and support to the different needs of their employees.
“We want to make sure that help is available for those working in the City and experiencing poor mental health, especially as we adapt to new and uncertain ways of working. Our training and interventions are delivered with sensitivity, tact and diplomacy, and can be delivered online by our expert trainers, who give people the tools they need to live and work well.”
Further Mind CHWF resources and support
If you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, you should always ask for help now. Mind has some helpful tips on taking the first steps.
For more information on the new Mind in the City service, please email Training@mindchwf.org.uk
Additional forms of support added 9th March 2021
If you do find yourself struggling at the moment, please talk to someone – please don't suffer in silence. Below is a guide to some of the support and resources available:
NHS Mental Health Helplines: Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these mental health charities, organisations and support groups can offer expert advice.
Mind: Emergency advice, crisis coping tools and a dedicated Infoline are all available through Mind. You can also take a look at some of their key actions and resources on our recent guest blog with Mind in the City.
Samaritans: Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call them for free on 116 123.
Shout: A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Since launch in May 2019, they've had more than 400,000 conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. Simply text 'SHOUT' to 85258.
Your workplace: Many employers have Employee Assistance Programmes, Mental Health First Aiders and qualified HR professionals that can support you. Always reach out to your leader or a colleague to get a bit of extra support.