Reflecting on mental health

The past couple of years have given all of us an opportunity to reflect on mental health, and what it means for us and those around us. I have been especially aware of this, working more from home than I have ever done before and being in close contact with my family, some of whom face more challenges than others in terms of mental wellbeing. It is a truism that we all have mental health, and sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not so good. Often it can take a change in our environment to cause us to reflect on this, and to put our lives, and those of whom we care for, within that context.

That is a major consideration for me in supporting the work of the University Mental Health Charter, and in trying to play a tiny part in giving voice to considerations of mental health and support for those around us who face challenges on a daily basis. I was lucky enough to take part in one of the Mental Health First Aid training days run through People and Organisational Development, a few years ago, and I think my most significant “take away” from that day was the reinforcement that one of the most important duties we all have is to work against any sense of stigma when it comes to talking about mental health, and to encourage those around us to be open, especially when experiencing challenges and to seek support when they need it. 

That doesn’t make it easy, though. Being open with others about challenge when you already may have a low personal image is hard in itself. Sharing difficult issues is a challenge in itself, often as much for the listener as the sharer; we all have to be able to work outside our direct comfort zone and to simply “be there” if needed. As a parent, my most significant challenge has been realising that this is not a situation I can “fix”; I am used to mending things - whether that’s the plumbing or an IT issue - but supporting someone in need through a period of crisis is not a “fixing” operation - it can only be a process of listening, caring, hoping, and providing as much positive reinforcement as possible.

So, as we continue to develop our work around the University Mental Health Charter, we must, above all, do so in the realisation that this is not a “task and finish” process, but one of continual effort and mutual support and understanding. Talking about when our mental health is good, and what helps it to be, as well as our challenges, will foster openness and reduce stigma. My time working at Leeds Beckett has taught me that we are, in the main, a wonderfully supportive and engaging community, and I know we have the capacity to provide an environment to encourage everyone to thrive and prosper. I know it will not be entirely easy, but we can always help the process by sharing both our joys and worries and providing a willing ear when needed. Listening is a vital part of communication that we sometimes forget in our haste to deliver knowledge.