It seems that mental health challenges have impacted many businesses and organisations particularly since the Pandemic. Burn-out, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and long term sick leave are being reported in record numbers from many parts of the world.
In New Zealand and Australia there has been a strong initiative to train workplace mental health first aiders, just like physical health first aiders, who are able to be first responders, noticing concerns in the workplace and referring team members onto qualified professionals to provide trained assistance. I’m sure many other countries and organisations have similar programmes available to help counteract the escalating numbers of mental health issues in society today.
Acknowledging the whole person in a corporate workplace is identified as the start to mental health first aid. I recently obtained the New Zealand course accreditation and couldn’t help noticing some similarities to LeaderImpact’s integrated approach to leadership development. Recognising warning signs in someone who is struggling with mental health issues, whether they recognise them themselves is key. In New Zealand, the standardised mental health first aid training is often taught from the holistic worldview of the NZ’s indigenous people, the Māori.
Recognising warning signs in someone who is struggling with mental health issues, whether they recognise them themselves is key.
Take a look at the Te Whare Tapa Whā Wellbeing model below and see if anything resonates with you
Taha tinana: Physical wellbeing such as exercise, sleep, healthy eating and healthy relationships with others.
Taha hinengaro: Mental and Emotional wellbeing which represents our thoughts, feelings and emotions as well as our responses to others.
Taha wairua: Our spiritual wellbeing refers to our connecting with nature, our past and our future as well as our faith and organised religious communities. It includes taking time to reflect and grow.
Taha whānau: Our connections with others and sense of belonging, ability to care and share. The way we support others and are supported with others.
Credit: Te Whare Tapa Whā model developed by Sir Mason Durie, Public Domain.
Recognising the integrated life of a work colleague is also key, and part of our LeaderImpact approach for local LeaderImpact groups where we often talk about the personal, professional and spiritual life of a leader, as pictured below. The other component is Taha whānau, our real relationships with others, our community that supports us and we are able to support them.
How are you doing with your own mental wellbeing?
Using a 1(lowest) to 10 (highest), how would you instinctively rate your own:
Physical wellbeing?
Mental and emotional wellbeing?
Spiritual wellbeing?
Relationship wellbeing?
Are you connected to a group of leaders who are looking to develop personally, professionally and spiritually? If so, are you seeing a positive impact in your own community? Come join a local LeaderImpact group.
If you are looking for assistance with mental wellbeing for yourself or for those around you please contact your local trusted health professional or the Mental Health services in your country or visit Global Mental Health Helpline
