Mental Health Awareness for Managers
Mental Health Awareness for Managers
Since Prince Harry raised public awareness of the importance of mental health, many organisations are now investing in training to make their managers more aware of mental health issues. They want to know what they can do, to ensure that their workplace culture is one that promotes good mental health.
In addition, organisations know that they must eliminate any dangerous cultural practices, that could contribute to mental health problems. They are helping managers understand what mental health is; how mental health can affect work performance; what work factors promote good mental health; what factors may be mental health risks; how to spot mental health warning signs; and how to develop a code of conduct that will promote good mental well-being.
What is meant by the term "mental health".
Mental health is the state whereby people feel the optimum emotional responses, that are appropriate to the circumstances that they face.
Mental health impacts your bottom line results.
Mental health impacts results, because mental health is about building optimum emotional responses. Poor mental health creates inappropriate, or destructive emotional responses to the circumstances; which impacts on results.
Organisations and managers need to take a more Holistic view of people.
We need to recognise that four elements combine to affect mental health: Mind, body, social and environmental.
Let us look at the power of the human mind.
The human mind.
You need to recognise the power of the human mind, which creates both good health and ill health.
The rule to remember is: You become what you think about.
We all have thought habits. We all have both constructive and destructive thought habits.
- Some people specialise in having constructive thought habits.
- Other people specialise in having destructive thought habits.
- Most people have a mixed bag of thought habits.
People with mental health problems have created mental habits of a destructive nature. They need help to change their thought habits.
Introduction to self-image psychology.
The self-image is the sum of all your thoughts and beliefs about who you are, what you think your abilities and limitations are, and how you fit into the social setting.
The key to good mental health is the self-image. Some people have a strong self-image, whilst other people have a very weak self-image.
If you want to gain better mental health, it is important to understand the self-image is the driving force point for all mental health states.
How self-image is revealed in what people say about themselves and others.
You can tell something about a person's self-image, by asking them to complete the following sentence.
"I am a ...... person."
How the person completes the sentence reveals something of their self-image. For example:
I am a talented person. Shows signs of a good self-image.
I am a very unlucky person. Shows signs of a poor self-image.
I am a loving person. Shows signs of a good self-image.
I am not a very confident person. Shows signs of a poor self-image.
What managers can do to foster a stronger self-image.
Whenever a person does something well, then make a link in language, that connects the behaviour to the self-image. For example:
You made a sale, you are a great sales person.
You put the bins out, you are very thoughtful.
You came in early, that is very professional.
At the same time, whenever someone does something wrong or bad, DO NOT make a link between behaviour and self-image. Sever the link in language between behaviour and self-image, if the behaviour is negative. For example: do NOT say:
"You failed to make the sale. You are not a very good sales person".
"You did not put the bins out, you are lazy".
"You came in late, that is very unprofessional".
Sometimes managers say this, albeit accidentally, and this can be dangerous to the self-image.
The trick is to build up people's self-image, by finding instances of good behaviour and linking it to their self-image.
At the same time, you want to avoid destroying a person's self-image. So, if the person fails, you name the failure as a behaviour, NOT as a character trait or identity statement.
Note the difference between:
"You are late". This is a behavioural statement, without reference to self-image; and
"You are late, that is totally unprofessional". This is a behavioural statement, together with a reference to self-image.
Your task as a manager, (friend, husband, wife, mother, father or human being) is to build up the self-image of those around you, so that they feel better about themselves.
At the same time, your task is to NOT say things that are derogatory or antagonistic to a healthy self-image.
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Definition: self-image
Self-image is your inner picture of yourself. It is made from every thought and belief you hold about your skills, limits and place with others. This picture directs how you feel, speak and act each day. Because it lives only in the mind, others see it only through your words and deeds, and feedback can change it.
Show CG4D Definition
- Built from a person’s own thoughts and beliefs about abilities, limits and social role
- Exists only in the mind and cannot be seen directly
- Drives emotional responses and behaviour in the workplace
- Changes over time through self-talk and feedback from others
Article Summary
Managers shape minds at work; when they learn mental health awareness, choose clear, kind words and link good acts to a strong self-image, they build a culture that lifts mood, cuts risk and drives results. Healthy thoughts today become better performance and lower costs tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is mental health in a workplace context?
Why should managers link praise to a worker’s self-image?
How can I spot early mental health warning signs in my team?
Which workplace factors can harm employee mental wellbeing?
What language should managers avoid when giving negative feedback?
How does a strong self-image improve work performance?
What simple daily actions create a mentally healthy team culture?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
UK firms lost about £56 billion in 2022 because of staff mental health absence, low output and staff turnover (Deloitte, 2022). In 2023, stress, sadness or worry caused 49% of all work illness and 54% of days lost at work in Great Britain (HSE, 2023).About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Mental Health
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Mental Health Awareness at Work
Workplace mental health training for managers ends stigma, spots signs early and returns £5 for every £1 spent by boosting staff wellbeing and cutting absence.
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How to Improve Employee Mental Wellbeing
Learn how clear thinking, positive coaching and firm goals raise employee mental wellbeing, cut stress and save UK firms billions. Read our hands-on guide.
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How To Improve Mental Wellbeing During Lockdown
Learn practical steps to protect mental wellbeing during lockdown: connect online, cut negative voices, and turn isolation into growth. Expert UK advice.
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External Factors Which Impact Our Mental Wellbeing
Learn how beliefs, self-esteem, friends, body health, habits and rational thinking interact to improve mental wellbeing, with tips to guide each area daily.
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How to Improve Your Mental Health
Discover ten proven ways to improve mental health. Use positive thinking, clear goals, exercise and smart nutrition to cut anxiety, lift mood and feel in
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