Mental Health Awareness - let's keep the conversation going!

15-21 May 2023 was Mental Health Awareness Week, a time for us to focus on raising awareness and removing the stigma that still surrounds mental health, to increase conversations and the number of people accessing the support that is available. Even though the week has passed - mental ill health continues, so we urge you to keep the conversation going.

In life we all face different challenges, whether at home or at work, and it is now widely reported that half of us will face a mental health issue or support someone who is.

Together we can improve the mental health culture in workplaces and have more supportive open conversations

 

TAKE ACTION

Open up more mental health conversations - with friends, family and colleagues:

Starting conversations that seem ‘deep’ or potentially emotional can be daunting - here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Don’t wait to find the perfect moment - Conversations do not need to be in a therapy situation. It could be whilst traveling somewhere together; eating a meal; exercising; or on a work call.  

2. Ask twice - Very often you will receive the "it's fine" response. Ask again, and again if you think it will lead to a more open conversation. "How are you really", "Are you sure you're okay", "no, really, is everything okay" are all good follow up phases to use.

3. Talk about yourself - Sharing your own feelings can give others the confidence to talk about themselves. Be mindful of how what you disclose may impact others. 

4. Approach the elephant in the room - If you know that someone has experienced mental illness – maybe they took some time off work recently, or spoke about it in the past – don’t be afraid to ask how they’re doing. Asking, “how are things now?” or “are you back at work?” shows that person that they have nothing to feel awkward about.

If you think someone has been acting differently it’s OK to mention that too, if it's done in a kind way. “You’ve seemed a bit quiet recently, is everything alright? I’m here if you want to talk.” This shows that you care and opens the door for them to chat about things when they’re ready.

5. It doesn’t have to be face to face - seeing facial expressions and reading body language can help, and give them a hug if that feels right. But some people find it easier to talk about things via text or email, and that’s fine too.

E.g. if on WhatsApp, check in with them on there (above tips still apply). Social media can help keep in touch, but just because we’ve liked a post or shared a funny video doesn’t mean we’ve really connected with that person.

Find more information here

Download Mental Health UK's Conversation Starter Guide

Join the #thisisme mental health campaign to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma:
  • Print out a #thisisme template here
  • Write on your printout - either what mental health means to you, or something you do to improve your wellbeing
  • Take a photo of you holding your completed printout (or take a group photo with colleagues) and post it in the Team Royal Mail Workplace group using the hashtag #thisisme

Full picture campaign instructions are available here 

Pick a week and 'Go Green' for Mental Health Awareness:
  • Does your building have external lighting? we would like you to apply a green filter to external lighting (please be mindful of any lighting for health and safety purposes e.g. fire exits/walkways)
  • What other activities can you arrange to get involved? e,g, why not hold a 'wear it green' day or a green theme cake sale for a local mental health charity
  • Don’t forget to take photos and share on Workplace using the hashtag #thisisme
 Download the Help@hand app today and get support if you'd like some help:
 
Download this guide to learn about the services available to you and your family.
View frequently asked questions here
A poster to promote the service is available here
 More support:
Mental Health Awareness:
Help@hand Enhancements: