Taking Action for Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Week is a time for us to both reflect on what we need help with and how we can move forward to support our own mental health and the mental health of those around us. This year’s theme, ‘Take Action’, aims to show that whether your take small actions or big actions, they can all make us feel “more hopeful and less powerless.”

Giving Your Mental Health a Boost

We all have different things that can have a negative impact on our mental health from day to day. This could be anything from having a bad day at work to going through an emotional shift in life. The most important thing you can do in situations like this is to seek help and support.

For some of the smaller things impacting your life, making sure you get more and better sleep, eating well, and getting outside into nature could be just the thing that sets your mind at ease. These may seem like small actions but taking that step back from everyday stresses could be just what you need.

On the other hand, many of us will have had to deal with major events in life that require more than just a walk in the park. This is where having trusted friends and family members you can talk to can come in handy. Opening up to the people in your life and talking things through can be a major help.

But they may not have all the answers, and that’s ok. That’s where organisations like Lighthouse Charity, Maximus, Andy’s Man Club, and GamCare can provide much needed professional support. These are all organisations we have partnered with and provide information and support from through our Mental Health Support Scheme. Information on how to get in touch with each is below.

Lighthouse Charity – 0345 605 1956
Maximus – 0300 456 8114
GamCare – 0808 8020 133
Andy’s Man Club – Meetings take place each Monday. Find your local meet up here.

Supporting Those Around You

While you may feel that your mental health issues are easily managed, or that the odd bad day can be resolved with a nice walk, it may not be the same for those around you.

It can take a lot for someone to open up about their mental health, so making sure your friends, family, and colleagues know you’re there and available to talk to can help. Having close relationships can give people a sense of belonging, and if someone feels like they belong or feel comfortable with you, it can make it easier for them to approach you if they need to have a chat.

Additionally, it always helps to educate yourself about what you might need to know in those situations. Make yourself aware of different organisations you can recommend, what activities can help to put people in a better headspace, and even share what methods have helped you in the past to overcome any mental health difficulties.

Top Tips

At PSI Global, our Mental Health Support Scheme is made available to everyone working on site for us, as well as everyone on our team internally. Included in this support scheme are our Mental Health Ambassadors, certified to assist in confidential mental health support.

We asked our Mental Health Ambassadors to share their tips for Mental Health Awareness Week, and how taking small actions can be a big help.

“Book time off when needed so you don’t overexert yourself. I’ve done this during busy times and found a week off to be beneficial. Add gym classes to your schedule if you don’t already. Start with two a week, and once comfortable, build up to more. I find going to gym classes with groups helps to distract from a stressful day! And finally, put aside time to read a book, even if it’s just a couple of chapters an evening. Reading is a great distraction from screens and takes full concentration, which can help you from worrying and thinking about other things.”
Yasmin Lobb, Senior Account Manager

“Making sure you stay active and find hobbies you enjoy can help to give your mental health a boost and give your mind a more positive focus. Prioritise getting a good amount of sleep each night and speak to the people you surround yourself with. It can help you to feel supported and help to support others.”
Thomas Spike, Account Manager

“Sometimes taking simple actions can go a long way when giving your mental health a boost. This can be anything from keeping a simple routine through each day, or spending time outside, whether on your own or with a close friend or family member. And remember that motivation follows action!”
Jade Metcalf, Senior Recruitment Consultant

“I regularly share toolbox talks to support wellbeing on site, covering topics like mental health, stress awareness, and practical ways to look after yourself at work. These messages are a reminder that seeking help and taking action are signs of strength, and that taking care of your mental health protects your future, your family, and your ability to work safely.”
Megan Parr, Operations Coordinator

“Taking action doesn’t have to be big. It can be getting outside, being active (a walk, run, swim, the gym) or taking a proper break and treating yourself without feeling guilty. It can also be as simple as checking in on someone, taking them out for a coffee or a walk, or even somewhere familiar with good memories. Any opportunity to switch off, have fun, and reset.
Sarah Ainsworth, Operations Manager

If you’re struggling with your mental health and need additional help, but don’t know where to start, our team is here to help. Send a confidential email to talk@psi-gsr.com and one of our Mental Health Ambassadors will be in touch with information about what you can do. If your need for help is urgent, please make sure you call 999 or reach out to a 24/7 organisation like Samaritans on 116 123.