by Stuart McNicholas

1. Supporting good Mental Health at Work
• Stuart McNicholas

2. Aims of the session
• Understand what mental health is, and the context and stigma
around mental health issues
• Gain some key information on common mental health issues
• Identify resources to draw on
• Discuss how we can support remote workers

3. The mental health continuum

4. Mental health issues
• Not the purpose of this session to encourage you to make a
“diagnosis”
• We are not medics
• Medics often struggle to make a diagnosis
• Diagnoses are sometimes incorrect
• Sometimes diagnoses are multiple
• Many people with severe mental health issues are never diagnosed
• We will focus on symptoms and behaviours that you may observe

5. Signs and behaviours to watch for
• 4 areas, often with overlaps, not an exhaustive list:
1. Decline in ability to cope and thrive with work tasks
2. Changes in social interactions
3. Changes in physical health and appearance
4. Changes in how people express themselves

6. How can we support a remote workforce?
• Annual review meeting may be an opportunity to ask how things are
• Building in a wellbeing question for all staff not just the one you are
worried about (Mind’s Wellness Action Plan)
• Providing written information on support available

7. Practical tips for maintaining clear boundaries
• Boundaries are crucial – we are not mental health professionals,
friends or carers
• Watchful waiting maybe appropriate – do you need to ‘jump in’ just
yet?
• Early intervention is key, but wait for an appropriate time/place
• Be specific about your concerns – give clear examples

8. Boundaries continued
• Signpost to additional support
• See yourself as a role model – look after your own wellbeing and
work/life balance, and be courageous to name issues where you see
them
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9. What other support is available?
• NHS mental health services – GP, IAPT (Improving Access to
Psychological Therapies)
• Samaritans
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
• Mind
• A&E

10. Looking after yourself and others – “TAKE 5”
Give
Keep learning
Be active
Connect
Take notice (Mindfulness)