Page 18 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Thirteen

18 FROM THE GROUND UP
Just asking for a friend
In the recent employee survey, many respondents wanted more information on mental health and how they could help colleagues struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety and stress.
During August, Rachel (HR) and myself will be running a series of lunch and learn sessions covering mental health issues. The sessions will be open, relaxed and informal. We will be signposting where resources and support can be found. Attendance will be voluntary.
As part of the sessions we will be showing the video, ‘I had a black dog’. If you are unable to attend you can find the video on YouTube. It will help you understand, in at least a small way, the struggles of those living with depression.
Some of you have already been trained as mental health first aiders and we will continue to increase the number of mental health first aiders over time. If this training is something you would be interested in pursuing please get in touch with Rachel (01569 730590, rachel.o’donnell@wmdonald.co.uk). We will also continue to produce a monthly wellbeing newsletter with tips and advice on health and related matters. Please feedback any improvements that could be made, we really want it to help you all.
W M Donald is a family. Like any successful family, we should always be looking out for each other. The mental health lunch and learns, first aiders and newsletters are a clear indication that the company recognises the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Our aim is to remove any stigma associated with mental health. However, we recognise that if you are struggling with depression, anxiety or stress you may well be feeling vulnerable. The first step on your journey to feeling better is to talk about your problems. If you don’t feel like speaking to a mental health first aider you can speak in confidence to Rachel or me.
Craig Hunter (HSEQ Manager) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc
Mental Health – Tea Time Quiz
Q1 - How many people in the UK will experience a mental health problem every year?
Answer - 1 in 8 / 1 in 2 / 1 in 4
Q2 - What proportion of young people with mental health problems say the stigma they face has made them want to give up on life? Answer - 26% / 6% / 52%
Q3 - What proportion of people with mental health problems experience stigma? Answer - 10% / 35% / 90%
Q4 - How long do people with mental health issues wait before telling their close family or friends?
Answer - 2 months / 7 months / more than 12 months
Q5 - Which UK country has the highest suicide rate?
Answer - NI / Eng / Sco / Wales
Q6 - Which UK Prime Minister suffered with Mental Health issues and referred to them as their “Black Dog”
Answer - Gordon Brown / Winston Churchill / Theresa May
Q7 - Which of these celebrities have suffered with severe mental health issues? Answer - Robin Williams / Stephen Fry / Ruby Wax / All of the above
Q8 - Half of all mental illness occurs before a person reaches what age? Answer - 8 / 14 / 23
Answers: Q1. 1 in 4 | Q2. 26% | Q3. 90% | Q4. more than 12 months | Q5. Sco | Q6. Winston Churchill | Q7. All of the above | Q8. 14