Understanding Mental Health

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Welcome to the Tuesday Trailblazer, my weekly newsletter delivering actionable insights from my personal experiences and 15+ years in leadership.

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What we’ll cover off:

• Why supporting mental health as a leader matters

• The real impact you can make by prioritising mental health in the workplace.

• Common roadblocks leaders face when trying to support mental health.

• 5 actionable steps to create a mentally healthy environment for your team and yourself.

A recent study found that 91% of employees believe their company's leadership should be involved in mental health support.

Yet, many leaders struggle with where to begin.

They fear overstepping, feel guilty about their own self-care, or simply don’t know the signs to look for.

But here's the thing: understanding mental health starts with simple, practical actions that anyone can take.

Before we dive in though, we need to get one thing straight:
Just like we all have physical health, we all have mental health.

Therefore as a leader, supporting your team's mental health isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it’s essential.

When people feel seen, heard, and supported, they perform better, stay longer, and contribute more meaningfully.

But it's not just about your team; it’s about you, too.

Leaders often put everyone else first and neglect their own mental health, which is a fast track to burnout.

Many leaders struggle to support the mental health of their teams and themselves because they:

• Fear of overstepping: Worry about crossing boundaries or saying the "wrong" thing.

• Guilt about self-care: Feel it’s selfish to prioritise their own wellbeing when they have so much responsibility.

• Lack of knowledge: Don't know the warning signs of mental health struggles or how to provide meaningful support.

• Inconsistent follow-through: They may start the conversation but lack consistency in supporting mental health efforts.

But the good news?

These challenges can be tackled with a few practical steps that make a big difference.

Ready to ignite your impact as a leader?

1. Self-Care: The #1 Type of Care

   What: You can't pour from an empty cup—self-care must come first.

   Why: Taking care of yourself ensures you can lead and support others effectively.

   How: Prioritise daily self-care activities, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply setting boundaries around your time.

   
   
   

2. Pay Attention to Warning Signs and Symptoms

   What: Building relationships with your team beyond work helps you notice when something’s off.

   Why: Knowing your team on a personal level allows you to recognise shifts in behavior, mood, or energy.

   How: Make time for casual conversations, listen actively, and be observant of any changes in your team members.

   
   
   

3. Start a Conversation

   What: If you notice changes in behavior or mood, initiate a dialogue.

   Why: Addressing issues early can prevent bigger problems down the line.

   How: Create a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share what they’re going through. Keep it simple: “I’ve noticed you seem a bit off lately. Is everything okay?”

   
   
   

4. Listen Actively

   What: Being there for someone doesn't mean having all the answers; often, they just need someone to listen.

   Why: Feeling heard and understood is powerful and can make all the difference.

   How: Use open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about that?” and resist the urge to jump in with solutions.
   
   

   
   

5. Be Aware of Support Options

   What: Know when to suggest professional help and where to find it.

   Why: Some conversations require more than just friendly support; knowing your company's resources and local support services is key.

   How: Familiarise yourself with Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), counseling services, and local mental health resources.

Impact in 4 days - up for the challenge?

Day 1: Prioritise Your Self-Care

Action: Choose one self-care activity and commit to doing it today. Reflect on how it affects your mood and energy.

Tip: Start small. Research suggest as little as 10-15 minutes a day can significantly impact your wellbeing.

Day 2: Observe and Connect

Action: Pay close attention to your team today. Notice any changes in behavior or mood. Make time for at least one casual, open-ended conversation.

Tip: Be intentional with your kindness.

Day 3: Start a Conversation

Action: Identify someone on your team or even yourself who might need support. Reach out and ask, “How are you really doing?”

Tip: Consider scheduling recurring 1:1’s with each of your team members

Day 4: Research Support Options

Action: Spend 15 minutes learning about your company’s mental health resources and local support services. Share what you learn with your team.

Tip: Collaborate with your HR team on how you can elevate the presence of your companies support in store.

Remember, being a great leader means more than just getting the job done;

It’s about supporting the people who make it happen.

Prioritising mental health—both yours and your team's—will create a stronger, more resilient, and more connected workplace.

So, start today. Lead with empathy, listen actively, and be the support your team needs.

Lead with impact, not busy.

Until next Tuesday,

I have built and led teams across 3 successful businesses and have over 15 years of people and business leadership experience.

Over the past 4 years, I have grown my business working with “busy” leaders across multiple industries (retail, hospitality, construction, mining, education) and helped them simplify their leadership.

Igniting their impact in leadership and at home.

Let me share my insights and help you:

• Reclaim your time

• Prioritise your wellbeing

• Achieve work/life harmony

• Improve customer centricity

• Connect & elevate team culture

• Simplify your leadership beyond busy

• Building a bench and plan for your successors

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