#DebutTalk Live Twitter Chat Recap: Mental Health at Work (featuring NHS Graduate Scheme)
Brenda Wong
Our latest #DebutTalk Live Twitter Chat tackled our trickiest topic yet: mental health at work. We were joined by the wonderful people over at the NHS Graduate Scheme for what we felt was a truly insightful and revealing hour of conversation.
This week’s chat was our most popular yet, resulting in us trending at no.5 in the United Kingdom for a little while! We picked the best answer tweets from the bunch in our little recap here:
Q1. Why do you think more young people are experiencing mental health problems today?
Our host said:
A1 There’s a lot more pressure nowadays on young people around education, money and lifestyle #DebutTalk
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
Our #DebutTalk participants said:
A1: Greater stress level due to pressure for money, deadlines and overall uncertainty about their future. #DebutTalk https://t.co/PLxL4bjSRB
– Cristina Astorri (@Ascrissy) February 23, 2017
A1. So many factors. Social media I reckon can contribute, but also job uncertainty, greater uni debt if you choose that route #DebutTalk
– Leanne Ford (@_leanneford) February 23, 2017
A1. Constantly being told by the previous generation that we don’t measure up to their standards will take its toll on anyone. #DebutTalk https://t.co/4yIqjZAGPe
– Alex Ekong (@andthenalexsaid) February 23, 2017
A1: Rising cost of living and pressure to feel like you have to move out and save lots of money. #DebutTalk ??? https://t.co/jsnWazRY52
– Monique Perks (@MoniquePerks) February 23, 2017
Q2. How do you think employers should best support employees with mental health issues?
Our host said:
A2 By sending a clear message to their employees that their #MentalHealthMatters and what support they offer #DebutTalk @DebutCareers
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
Our #DebutTalk participants said:
A2: Raising awareness is a huge help, I think – organize seminars, attend conferences, keep communication channels open ?#DebutTalk
– @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) February 23, 2017
A2. Listen to them. If they say they need time, give it to them and offer support. A work environment is about teamwork after all #Debuttalk https://t.co/yNkFwKijVS
– TheFrugalTeen (@TheFrugalTeen) February 23, 2017
A2: Everyone should be aware of the available support, & work places need to be an open environment for talk about mental health. #DebutTalk https://t.co/QVSuncGTpZ
– April Roach (@aprilroach28) February 23, 2017
A2. Make it absolutely clear that mental health is a priority. Have clear processes to support. Have flexible working options #DebutTalk https://t.co/6kFLwM87An
– Brenda Wong (@brendaisarebel) February 23, 2017
Q3. Should you be obligated to disclose any mental health struggles when you start your job?
Our host said:
A3 Always best to share as much information with your employer as possible to ensure you’re not in place or position of harm. #DebutTalk
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
Our #DebutTalk participants said:
A3. I think should always be your choice but the last thing you should do is not speak up when you’re struggling. #DebutTalk https://t.co/cUSkfZGhyd
– Alex Ekong (@andthenalexsaid) February 23, 2017
A3. No. For some disclosing mental health struggles is the biggest struggle of all & could cause new anxieties #DebutTalk @NHSGradScheme https://t.co/gGcCodXIO0
– Melissa (@Melissa_FK) February 23, 2017
@DebutCareers A3. Obligated is a strong word. It all depends on whether the struggles directly affect day-to-day responsibilities #DebutTalk
– Laura Slingo (@LauraSlingo) February 23, 2017
A3: Do specifics when ready but DO declare initially. You need only declare you have a disability for protection under EA 2010 #DebutTalk https://t.co/Ek9RuKZFQ0
– Jon Warner?? (@JonathanRomelle) February 23, 2017
Q4. How can you support your fellow colleagues with mental health issues?
Our host said:
A4 Make sure you have a positive and open environment where people can share their feelings and ask for support #DebutTalk
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
A4 Think carefully about your behaviour at work – be aware of the impact your actions could have on others #DebutTalk
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
Our #DebutTalk participants said:
A4: support from people around is always so key so creating a collaborative and open work environment is important #DebutTalk
– Michele Trusolino (@MrTruso) February 23, 2017
A4. Spot signs, talk, offer support and recommend they speak to their GP/ a professional #DebutTalk
– Natalie Weaving (@NatalieTFG) February 23, 2017
A4: By being aware of struggles others may be going through, & by helping to create an inclusive, supportive environment. #DebutTalk https://t.co/YzKqsFqR8M
– April Roach (@aprilroach28) February 23, 2017
@DebutCareers A4 The same way you would support any of your colleagues. There should be no differentiation #TeamWorkDreamWork #DebutTalk
– Laura Slingo (@LauraSlingo) February 23, 2017
Q5. What’s your best tip for self-caring whilst at work?
Our host said:
A5 Being open and don’t be scared to share – employers will work with you to help #DebutTalk
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
Our #DebutTalk participants said:
A5: I have actually started trying to practise mindfullness. And it actually really helps – especially in the morning! #debuttalk
– Monique Perks (@MoniquePerks) February 23, 2017
A5. Work in a quiet space or work outside the office if you need. Don’t be afraid to take yourself out of the game and reset. #DebutTalk https://t.co/PzSVkGvfXK
– Alex Ekong (@andthenalexsaid) February 23, 2017
A5: Being on good terms with fellow employees helps. I rely a lot on my friends to keep me sane! #DebutTalk https://t.co/9rEMqgy04S
– April Roach (@aprilroach28) February 23, 2017
A5. Play your fave song, step outside for 5 mins & sing it out! The Middle – Jimmy Eat World always works for me ? #DebutTalk @NHSGradScheme https://t.co/KSRNNIx8YD
– Melissa (@Melissa_FK) February 23, 2017
Q6. Do you think today’s workplace culture makes it easier or more difficult to maintain good mental health? Why?
Our host said:
A6 Mental health is a far less taboo subject nowadays – hopefully people now find it a lot easier to talk #DebutTalk #MentalHealthMatters
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
Our #DebutTalk participants said:
A6. This is an entirely too broad of a question – but I think it is genuinely getting better. There is certainly less stigma #DebutTalk https://t.co/XOVGBuz4SQ
– Brenda Wong (@brendaisarebel) February 23, 2017
@DebutCareers @NHSGradScheme A6. it depends on the company. In general, it’s more difficult as everything needs to happen asap! #DebutTalk
– OlgaK. (@KoolMissOK) February 23, 2017
A6. I think this really depends on the job (intensity etc.) but with an increased awareness help is going in the right direction #DebutTalk https://t.co/K3idRhb0mr
– TheFrugalTeen (@TheFrugalTeen) February 23, 2017
A6: Our hyper-connected world makes it so difficult to rest – bad news, expectations… however, people’s awareness is growing ?#DebutTalk
– @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) February 23, 2017
Q7. Bonus Question: Tell us about your workplace mental health experiences.
Our host said:
A7 Many organisations have an Employee Assistance Programme who are always their if you need them #DebutTalk #MentalHealthMatters
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
A7 Many organisations have an Employee Assistance Programme who are always their if you need them #DebutTalk #MentalHealthMatters
– NHS Graduate Scheme (@NHSGradScheme) February 23, 2017
Our #DebutTalk participants said:
A7. Telling my manager I had anxiety was scary. Thought my heart was going to burst. Then it was a relief – I’ve had fab support #DebutTalk https://t.co/ojuW1SOdQH
– Brenda Wong (@brendaisarebel) February 23, 2017
A7. We have two amazing employees that are in the through of making themselves stronger. And they are epic #DebutTalk
– Natalie Weaving (@NatalieTFG) February 23, 2017
A7. I totally burned out when working for a big invest bank in NYC in 2008. Wouldnt wish it to my worst enemy @DebutCareers @NHSGradScheme
– Michele Trusolino (@MrTruso) February 23, 2017
A7. Durin my placement I told my manager I had anxiety/depression. He was very supportive & encouraged me to attend CBT sessions each week https://t.co/g65bPxoTwV
– Fumi (@FumiETC) February 23, 2017
Our next #DebutTalk:
All the ladies! (And any dude allies that wanna come along) ?
Next week’s #DebutTalk is gonna be a blockbuster. pic.twitter.com/qKt2WnSV43– Debut (@DebutCareers) February 23, 2017
RSVP to our Facebook event for #DebutTalk: Women in Tech here.
See you next week!
