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Why did you volunteer to be a Wellbeing Officer? I believe there is still a stigma not only in corporate places, but also in society in general, surrounding mental health. Being able to let people know there are resources and it is OK to talk about mental health at work help break those stigmas down and is one of the steps towards making someone who might be struggling alone know it is OK and that it won’t be held against you. Why should we look after our physical and mental wellbeing? My dad always said “A healthy body is the home to a healthy mind/soul” and vice versa – ultimately we don’t just want to go through life just surviving, we want to thrive. Thus as much as you’d like to eat healthy or go to the gym to look after your physical wellbeing it is equally important to check in with yourself and with others on howe their mental health is going and how we can support each other. What are some of the ways we can challenge stigma around mental health? We can all get involved in initiatives offered through work, showing people that it is “normal” to talk openly about any struggles, we can create a safe space and champion people who is a good example of a healthy work/life balance. We can reiterate that mental illness is as much illness as is any physical illness – no one would
judge someone for taking personal leave when they’ve broken their arm but in most work places it will be frowned upon to take that same amount if you feel your mental health might be on a downwards trend and you need that break. We can lead by action – don’t only “give out flyers” saying prioritize mental health but actually put practices in place protecting same – hypothetical example not relating to Clyde’s: ensuring employees don’t work too much overtime and burn out, but equally ensure that there isn’t that pressure from more senior members making them feel like it is an unwritten rule in order to be promoted etc. What do you do to look after your wellbeing? I try to always remind myself that life is bigger than that one struggle, that happiness is found is the small moments and to appreciate what you have. Remind yourself “You don’t HAVE to do this, you GET to do this” – Author unknown. What are your book or podcast recommendations on the topic of mental health? Set boundaries, MAKE space for that work/life balance, encourage your teams that it is normal and OK to not always be your best but that your best will come around again – start with your inner circle and ensure that they feel it is a safe space and then work outward. Also, lead by example and also talk about mental health openly and often especially if you are in a more senior position as this is the example more junior members will follow.
Lehandre Ueckermann Conflicts & Compliance Team Leader
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