M - Mental Health. (A to Z Tips)
Today’s Blog has been kindly written by Angela McMillan who, as Elemental Health Limited, helps headteachers improve the mental health of staff and students with training and counselling, online counselling, youth mental health first aid training and PHSE sessions.
Many senior leaders are wondering how to support staff in their mental health during this time. They know it’s okay to feel anxious but have been wondering when they need to step in to offer addition support.
They are worried that they might get things wrong or if they do start a conversation, don’t know where they can refer the member of staff to. As an accredited psychotherapist and Mental Health First Aid Trainer, I teach school staff how to spot the early warning signs of mental ill health and implement strategies to offer support. Below are some of the most common symptoms with details of what to say and where you can go to get help.
• Working remotely makes it harder to spot things but during meetings you may still notice physical, behavioural or emotional signs that seem a bit out of character. Things like complaining of aches and pains or feeling tired, struggling to sleep or sleeping too much. You may notice that the person is more emotional and reactive than normal or the opposite, more withdrawn.
• Something that may come up is noticing the person being more forgetful or saying they are struggling to think clearly and remember things. They might be making more mistakes; their attendance might be low or they may be late for catch up meetings.
• Symptoms of stress can often be physical such as heart racing, an inability to keep still and mind blanks, but a tendency to overwork – starting early, finishing late, not taking any beaks and a fear of not getting things right can also be common.
• If you notice any changes in how your colleague is coming across – however subtle those changes might be, there is no harm in asking how they are doing, or even saying ‘I have noticed you have become more withdrawn/ quiet etc) recently is there anything you would like to talk to me about?’
• Research shows that early intervention is the key to recovery, it can be easy to think that this might not be our problem or that we might make things worse by asking, but even if the person doesn’t open up to you don’t underestimate the impact of you reaching out. It may take several check ins before that person feels ready to open up but they will value your empathy.
• Having online resources available listing free mental health support services, apps and websites for staff to access and creating a culture in which mental health and wellbeing are discussed openly also makes it easier for people to raise their hand if they are struggling. Do you feel able to share your stressors with your colleagues? If you model this then it is more likely that they will reach out and share theirs.
• Lots of schools are finding ways to help remote workers feel connected. You may have daily check ins via video call, or a weekly online get together to help debrief the challenges of the week. Regular one to one support from line managers or from senior leadership teams make an enormous difference to staff wellbeing.
Recommended resources:
• Mental Health First Aid Line Manager’s resource
• Mind’s people manager’s guide to mental health guide
Good mental health is everyone’s responsibility. Do not be ashamed to reach out or to ask for help.