Finding a way forward

This week’s Mental Health Awareness Week is all about sharing colleagues’ courageous experiences of mental health issues and highlighting the vital support services that are available.

Helpline advisor, Brandon Thompson, from our HR Advice Centre, shares his story and explains how the First Class Support helpline helped him find a ‘way out’ of everything that was happening in his life.

‘After being referred to the helpline, I initially had a large degree of trepidation around speaking to a counsellor as I am a very private and independent person, having pretty much raised myself from the age of 12-years-old.

‘My managers talked to me about using the service after my marriage collapsed and my family fell apart. During this time, I attended work, but as expected, I was really distracted with all the events happening at home.

‘I was hesitant to trust a “stranger” with my problems as I have always taken care of my own issues. I was cautious and without expectations, but a colleague said to me “why don’t you give it a try, and if it doesn’t work out, then you haven’t lost anything.”

‘As such, it took a few sessions to become comfortable enough to talk openly about any of my issues. I am grateful to my counsellor, who was very good at reassuring me that it was ok to discuss all the things that were bothering me, and to analyse a “way out” of everything that was happening. She took her time to understand me and my situation and helped me look at everything that was happening in my life.

‘To anyone thinking about calling the First Class Support helpline, I would say “Why not? What have you got to lose?” I went into the whole process cautious and less than optimistic. But my counsellor took the time to help me and put certain aspects of my life into perspective. This really helped me move forwards.

‘My experience is one that has proved very supportive to me and I would advise others to use the helpline if they think they need to. It’s open 24/7 and that means you don’t have to be in work when you call. It’s also fully confidential so no one will know that you’ve called.’

First Class Support

First Class Support is available 24/7 and is completely confidential. Call 0800 688 8777 for direct access to mental health support as well as to receive financial, relationship or legal advice.

In addition, our Feeling First Class website has materials and advice (use the code FFC1 to register) including the Because Healthy Minds Matter mental health awareness e-Learning.

Click here to see the full range of support available to you.