Marking World Mental Health Day 2024
Celebrated each year on the 10th of October, World Mental Health Day is a time to reflect and take action. But it’s not just a time for individuals to think about prioritising their mental health, it’s a time for everyone to consider how they impact the lives of others.
The theme for 2024 is hugely relevant for us at Nasstar, with workplace mental health being the focus this year. In our organisation, we’ve prioritised mental health for some time. We have 22 trained and certified Mental Health First Aiders who provide support, listen to concerns, and understand the feelings of our employees, whether they are work-related or not.
‘It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’ is the tagline for this year’s World Mental Health Day, so to mark the occasion we sat down with our Mental Health First Aiders to talk about why they chose to take part in this initiative and what mental health means to them.
Victoria Bougen – Mental Health First Aider and Procurement Commercial Analyst
Why did you want to become a Mental First Aider, and what does this role mean to you?
"Pure and simple … I love to help people!
"As the saying goes “a problem shared is a problem halved” and I’m a true believer in this. I have helped many friends and colleagues get through some of the toughest times of their lives, by just being there and listening. So, when the opportunity arose within Nasstar to become a Mental Health First Aider, I knew it was something I wanted to do."
Jeff Mellon – Mental Health First Aider and Test Manager
Why did you want to become a Mental First Aider?
"Having struggled with mental health in the mid 90’s when support was almost non-existent, I felt it was important to acknowledge this is a real problem and help people going through the same issues."
What are some simple, daily practices that people can adopt to support their mental health at work?
"Taking a 5-minute walk can do wonders to clear your headspace. Talk to people and don’t be afraid to show your emotions, people are more compassionate than you think. Reach out to experts who can provide support."
How can organisations better support their Mental Health First Aiders and create a culture of openness around mental health?
"I think most organisations provide support, the issue is still the stigma around people speaking out or opening up. In my years I have seen this improve, but mental health (not just in the workplace) is still a fairly taboo subject."
Sean Reeve - Mental Health First Aider and Delivery Manager
Why did you want to become a Mental First Aider?
"People inspire me. I am someone who has struggled with my own mental health in the past, and during a particularly bad episode, I approached a colleague at work (prior to Nasstar) before even discussing it with my family. That single conversation pushed me to seek the required support from the NHS and talk to my family, which remains one of the best decisions I have ever made."
How do you approach starting conversations about mental health with colleagues or peers who might be struggling?
"My approach is to be open and honest about myself and to let my guard down, as I feel this helps to build trust with people inside and outside of work. While it’s simpler to pick up on certain signs and social cues when working in the office, I feel that I have adapted my approach to consider that many of us are working remotely. I now make sure people know I’m available to support over the phone or a video chat."
What are some simple, daily practices that people can adopt to support their mental health at work?
"I’ve introduced several things that have helped me personally, including making sure I exercise daily (even if it's just a walk for some fresh air). I have also tried to be more structured with sleep and that’s made a huge difference."
What resources or strategies would you recommend to someone dealing with stress or anxiety at work?
"I would absolutely recommend that if anyone in the business is struggling at all, then please talk to your line manager or a Mental Health First Aider. We can help and will ensure that we will get you the support you need."
Taking care of your mental health
In a fast-paced world with many of us spinning several plates while trying to juggle home and work commitments without dropping the ball, mental health can easily slip to the bottom of the to-do list. But when this happens, burnout is a real possibility and should try to be avoided at all costs. If you’re experiencing burnout or stress, speak to your Mental Health First Aider or reach out to family and friends for support. Your mental health is of the utmost importance, not just on World Mental Health Day, but every day.