It was during a TV advert
break this week that a particular advert appeared that caught our attention
and led us to discover more and promote the ‘Time to Change - let’s talk about
mental health’ campaign launched by the Department of Health. The advert focuses on an employee returning to work following a period
of absence due to a mental health issue. A colleague asks them, ‘how are you?’
It is a powerful advert and
no doubt many people have been afraid to ask the same simple question in a
situation where they know someone has been away from the workplace due to mental illness.
There is a stigma attached
to mental health, and we are encouraging all organisations
to sign up to find out more about the campaign and
dispel that stigma by talking about the issues.
Handling these often
sensitive subjects can be tricky for anyone within a business and often we are
unaware of any issue until something happens or an individual confides in you.
Being supportive, understanding and pointing someone in the right direction of
support is imperative.
Just saying ‘cheer up’ or
‘you have got to pull yourself together’ are not effective methods of support –
being non-judgemental, confidential, supportive and listening is a good place to
start.
You can make a pledge of
support by clicking here, we have.
