World Mental Health Day is on 10 October every year, and this year, the theme is workplace mental health.
We spoke to Alastair Pentland, Environmental Operations Manager at Oren Environmental. Alastair is a mental health first aider, equipped to recognise the early signs of mental health issues in his colleagues and to support them.
In May 2023, I completed mental health first aid training at the St. John Ambulance Centre in Durham. The course lasted two consecutive days and covered various topics. It involved lots of discussions and group work, providing diverse and interesting perspectives.
We started by exploring some of the stigma surrounding mental health, and I learnt how stereotypes and misconceptions can prevent people from understanding the underlying issues individuals may be facing.
We also discussed the difference between mental health and mental illness. Everyone has mental health, but not everybody has a mental illness.
There are many mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and substance use disorders. But it’s crucial to recognise that people are unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to mental illness can be restrictive.
Promoting empathy and acceptance in the workplace is essential for supporting those with mental health challenges.
I can’t pinpoint an exact occasion when I’ve helped someone in mental distress, but I have been able to recognise when someone is struggling based on their actions, lack of actions, or uncharacteristic mood changes, thanks to my training.
There’s already good camaraderie, and I’d say there’s a family feel in our workplace. However, the training equips you to avoid making assumptions about mental health and reminds people that we can do more to support one another.
It promotes a healthier, more supportive workplace, which, in the long term, boosts employee well-being, productivity, and retention.
I’ve banned social media, except LinkedIn, which I decided to do many years ago. I believe that social media can be extremely damaging, especially for younger people.
My family plays a very important role in my life, and I now have the correct work-life balance.
I love to exercise and now do so more frequently. For example, I cycle with friends or jog along my local riverbank through the woods. I also participate in Parkrun on Saturdays when I can. Although I’ll never win any gold medals, the extra outdoor exercise provides the mental boost I need.
Additionally, I volunteer at my son’s Cubs group, which selfishly helps my mental well-being by helping others.
It’s a basic human function to be able to talk; the power of speech is profound, and talking can be the first step to improving things.
However, one of the most challenging things to do when you’re struggling is finding someone you feel comfortable talking openly about how you feel.
It’s important in the workplace to have people who won’t judge, condescend, or make a person feel bad about themselves. I’m sure nobody would do that intentionally but a Mental Health First Aider can help by listening.
If anybody reaches out to you, it’s essential to recognise it can be a significant step for a person struggling with their mental health.
Life can be very busy and overwhelming, leading to losing touch with friends and work colleagues.
On World Mental Health Day, I want to reach out to my colleagues and friends to have simple conversations that can help reduce isolation and encourage openness about mental health.
I might also buy lunch for a colleague I haven’t seen in a while, which could benefit both of us—I could get a lovely lunch in return later!
