Mental Health Awareness Week

This week, Monday 13^th – Sunday 19^th May, is Mental Health Awareness Week. STR takes our employees’ welfare very seriously, which includes helping to make sure everyone is fully supported when it comes to their mental health.

In support the Mental Health Foundation’s theme this year, ‘Movement: Moving for our Mental Health’, we’re providing the opportunity for employees to enjoy some physical and mentally uplifting activities this week, including yoga and some games on the grass! We also thought it was a great opportunity to catch up with Adam Rymell, who, back in October, spoke to us about his experience of depression.

Last time, we learned about Adam’s history and how he deals with his depression. A generally genial and cheerful gent, Adam was first diagnosed with the condition at age 17 and has suffered on and off with flare-ups ever since. Click here for his full story: https://insignistalent.com/world-mental-health-day-2023/

Initially reluctant to mention his diagnosis at work, it eventually came out in Adam’s end of year review in 2021 when his Operations Director had picked up that he was quieter and more withdrawn. Adam was reassured by his colleagues that they and the company would provide him with whatever support he needed.

Adam became a dad on 27^th July last year, with the birth of his daughter, Mina. Following a tough pregnancy, Trudy was taken to hospital with pre-eclampsia and their baby daughter therefore made her way into the world a month early. When we last spoke, Adam stated:

“Once you get past the significant lack of sleep, it is the best thing that I’ve ever done. It has given me an indescribable sense of purpose and drive to provide for our baby girl.”

With Mina now 9 months old, Adam confirmed that he and the family (including their Pomeranian) are all doing well, although Mina still isn’t keen on letting her parents get much sleep at night! He really appreciates the return-to-work package offered to fathers at STR, which includes reduced hours. This enables Adam to leave at 4.30pm every day, meaning he gets home in time for the evening routine, to make dinner and spend some quality time with his partner and daughter.

Adam also confirmed he’ll be taking part in our activities this week and encourages others to do the same.

“Although it can be difficult to find the time with a young family, exercise is an incredibly important aspect of keeping mentally healthy.”

Are you battling with your mental health? Adam’s advice is:

• Don’t be afraid to talk to someone – family or friend.
• If you can’t, go to your doctor. Take that first step.
• Make sure you have healthy and positive relationships.
• At work, you can ask to speak to your manager or HR in confidence.
• Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help.
• Try the NHS Mental Health page if you’re not sure where to start.

To support your employees, invest in a healthcare programme that provides a mental health support service. For more advice, download our checklist ‘Workplace Mental Wellbeing’ to self-assess your current employee wellbeing strategy and practices. This will help you to establish what you already have in place, identify any gaps, and pinpoint what actions will help you make improvements.