Taking time to talk on World Mental Health Day!

In support of World Mental Health Day today (10th October), our wonderful team here at Right at Home Mid Hampshire came together for a Tea & Talk event. The mission? To spark genuine conversations about mental wellbeing and pull down the barriers of stigma often linked to mental health.

 

Amid their hectic routine of delivering heartfelt home care, the Mid Hampshire crew made room for 10 of its diligent staff and dedicated CareGivers to engage in a meaningful dialogue about mental health. This initiative goes beyond just a talk; it’s about weaving a tight-knit community where discussions on mental health are not just accepted but embraced. We’re on a mission to create a nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels at ease expressing their emotions, sharing worries, and recounting personal journeys.

 

The Tea & Talk event, held at the Chandler’s Ford office, wasn’t just a bonding moment for the team. It was an enlightening platform that underscored the value of walking together in our mental health voyages, be it in the office or outside. By rolling out endeavours like this, we hope to shine a spotlight on our commitment to the team's mental wellbeing and the crucial part that transparent communication holds in supporting mental health.

 

If you or your colleagues at work want to embrace the topic of mental health issues and talk about it openly, our Managing Director, Nick Turner has put together the following tips to help navigate the tricky topic that is mental health:

 

• Create the right environment

The setting in which you initiate a conversation about mental health is crucial. Try and opt for a quiet, private space where all parties can feel safe and comfortable. Ensure there's minimal risk of interruptions and emphasise confidentiality to build trust.

 

• Ask the right questions

Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', use open-ended questions to encourage elaboration. For example, instead of asking, "Are you okay?", you might ask, "How have you been feeling lately?" This will prompt the respondent to think and reflect more deeply about their feelings, and it allows them the space to provide a more detailed answer.

 

• Be an active listener

Truly listening means being present in the moment and showing empathy. Avoid interrupting or making the conversation about yourself. Offer validation to others' feelings and experiences without offering solutions immediately. Sometimes, people just need to be heard.

 

• Avoid assumptions

It's vital to approach any conversation without any preconceived notions or judgments. Instead of saying, "You should just get over it," or "Why can't you be more positive?", show understanding and let others express their feelings without fear of criticism. Mental health is a multifaceted subject, shaped by various factors including environment, past experiences, and even daily stressors. Recognising its complexity means understanding that no two individuals' experiences are the same. What might seem like a minor issue to one might be a significant challenge to another.

 

• Educate yourself

Before diving into the conversation, take some time to educate yourself about mental health, common issues, and terminology. This not only demonstrates that you care but also helps in understanding and empathising with the person's experiences. However, remember to be humble and acknowledge the limits of your knowledge. Each person's experience is unique, and it's okay to say that you may not understand fully but you’re here to support them.

 

“Mental health is just as crucial as physical health. Open conversations are the stepping stones to understanding and support. At Right at Home, we believe in nurturing an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered. Remember, it's not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions and showing genuine care. Today was a great event and a chance for us to have some important conversations about mental health. Reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health is one of the biggest challenges, and more events like the one today will go a long way to promoting a healthy mental wellbeing atmosphere," commented Nick.

 

For further information about Right at Home Mid Hampshire and the services it can offer, visit www.rightathome.co.uk/midhants/