At Douglas OHI, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health - and that looking after our wellbeing helps us thrive, both at work and in life. That’s why we recently hosted a mental health awareness webinar, led by Peter Baker, our Regional Health and Safety Manager, and Anuya Phule, an experienced psychologist and psychotherapist.
Here’s a look at what we covered during the session.
Why Mental Health Matters
Peter and Anuya kicked off the webinar by underlining the importance of mental health in all areas of life - psychological, emotional, social, and even economic. Drawing from the World Health Organization's definition, they explained that good mental health isn't just about avoiding illness; it’s about building resilience, managing emotions, making decisions, and staying connected to others.
Spotting the Signs Early
Recognising when something’s not quite right - whether in ourselves or those around us - is key. The session covered common signs of mental ill health, like ongoing fatigue, sudden weight changes, irritability, and withdrawing from social interactions. Managers, in particular, were reminded to keep an eye out for changes and step in early when needed.
The Hidden Impact of Stress
Anuya also spoke about how ongoing stress doesn’t just stay in our heads - it can take a toll on our bodies too. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and digestive problems can all be linked to stress. Keeping tabs on physical symptoms can be a helpful way to spot when stress is becoming overwhelming.
Creating a Supportive Workplace
One of the biggest takeaways from the webinar was the importance of creating a workplace where it’s OK to talk about mental health. Hosting regular workshops, encouraging open conversations, and making professional support easily accessible were all highlighted as practical steps we can take together.
Tackling the Barriers
We also touched on the fact that it can sometimes be harder for men to open up about mental health struggles, often due to social conditioning. Peter and Anuya stressed the need to break these old stigmas and encourage everyone to view seeking support as a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Role of Real Connection
While virtual connections help us stay in touch, especially when we’re working remotely, nothing quite beats real-life interaction when it comes to feeling supported and included. Finding ways to balance both is important for our mental health.
What’s Next?
Following the session, a few key initiatives are in the pipeline:
• Running regular mental health workshops and team-building activities
• Distributing simple self-assessment questionnaires
• Encouraging regular mental health check-ups
• Offering confidential access to professional support
Missed the live session? You can watch the full webinar here: https://bit.ly/3HY40zB
Looking Ahead
At Douglas OHI, we’re committed to making mental health a regular part of the conversation - not just something we talk about once a year. By keeping the momentum going and supporting each other every day, we can all help build a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.
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