Addressing gaps in mental healthcare provisions

We’ve had the conversation,

so what is the solution?

In the last eighteen months mental health has been brought into sharp focus. Emily Miller asks how businesses can address gaps in their mental healthcare provisions

We spoke to the former director of adult mental health services for NHS Leicestershire Partnership Trust Linda Neville, who runs SanaMente Hypnotherapy on the subject of how owners can support their employees and their mental health.

Are businesses coping with the increase in mental health issues?

Whilst it is extremely positive that mental health has moved up the agenda, it has increased the anxiety for business owners as they look to find the right solutions to support their workforce.

Is there enough support available for businesses to help staff with mental health concerns?

I feel the need for training and support varies from workplace to workplace and therefore requires different solutions to be considered within the wider context of the workplace. However, training to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions is crucial. Training reduces stigma and this is essential as our society develops. Support for individuals in the workplace, I feel, is an issue that requires a dedicated solution.

The solution should address the immediate needs of staff who are currently experiencing mental health difficulties. Access to good talking therapy and medical support if needed. The wider issue is prevention and this I believe is achieved by providing resources that allow the individual to develop and build upon healthy coping strategies to increase their resilience, personal resources and productivity. This approach aims to achieve lasting benefits, reducing the need for reactive interventions to address distress or sickness.

What do you feel the consequence will be long-term if adequate support is not provided?

Without adequate support, the number of people experiencing mental health difficulties will inevitably increase. We know from HSE information that the rate was on the increase preCovid and this is expected to increase post-Covid. An increase in days lost to presenteeism is also expected to increase. Let’s keep people feeling well enough to work.

Do you feel that companies appointing a Mental Health First Aider is a good solution?

Absolutely, it’s a great start towards growing the awareness and reducing the stigma. However, it is important that the Mental Health First Aider is supported by the company in terms of policies, procedures

WE HELP BUSINESSES SUPPORT THEIR WORKFORCE AND THEMSELVES, BY GIVING THEM ACCESS TO TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO OVERCOME BARRIERS THAT HOLD THEM BACK

and personnel, otherwise they may be placed in a position of trying to support people without the appropriate infrastructure. This could be a lonely and stressful place if the approach to supporting mental health difficulties is tokenistic.

How can you help?

We help businesses support their workforce and themselves, by giving them access to tools and resources to overcome barriers that hold them back. Our online community provides a safe, non-judgemental space for our members to learn effective coping strategies, access to talking therapy, group events and a digital journal that can track progress which can be used for Continual Professional Development (CPD). We are providing businesses an effective solution to maintain a mentally healthy, happy, productive workplace.

For more support, visit sanamente-hypnotherapy.co.uk or call 0116 340 0630.