"Nobody should underestimate the importance of reaching out, and the power of listening in."
- Christine Husbands, Commercial Director at RedArc
Towergate Health & Protection believes the workplace can create its own culture from the top down. Potential triggers for poor mental wellbeing include bullying, discrimination, abuse, uncertainty about job security, or lack of support for workload.
Organisations should adhere to: if an employee is struggling, then support is available. Towergate suggests training staff as mental health first aiders to enable them to spot the signs of struggle and signpost to support.
Notably, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can offer in-the-moment support for anyone struggling, with charities available to help in times of crisis. There’s a wealth of specialist support to assist with corporate wellbeing, including fast-track access to specialist counselling.
“Awareness Days are an opportunity for employers to review how they support their employees, and also to help employees help themselves too. There are some simple steps that employers can take to support the mental health of their staff, and it starts with prevention. If employees need specialist help, then it’s available, and we’d encourage employers to investigate the options and make it available to their staff,” said Debra Clark, Head of Wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection.
RedArc believes there’s no need to skirt around the subject of suicide; “It’s okay to use the word, and it won’t make it more likely that someone will act on their thoughts.” The nurse-led health & wellbeing specialist highlighted that just being listened to can be a great relief for those struggling with their mental wellbeing – asking open questions is vital to encourage the individual to talk and be honest about how they’re feeling.
Likewise, it’s important to give the conversation time to develop as it can take a while for an individual to feel comfortable; it’s crucial to take their issues seriously and not judge their mindset or situation.
Finding professional support is non-negotiable, whether that’s via added-value services embedded into employee benefits or the NHS. Support must be communicated clearly so everyone knows what’s available and how to access it.
Suicide can be prevented; RedArc recommends clinically trained mental health practitioners as those best positioned to offer support before action is taken. These medical professionals have knowledge & resources available such as the ability to arrange specialist support and signposting to help.
“There is no substitute for professional support when an individual has suicidal thoughts, but anyone could find themselves having an unexpected conversation with a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger who has mental health problems,” explained Christine Husbands, Commercial Director at RedArc.
