The theme of this year’s event focusses on “workplace mental health,” and with this is mind CWP is shining a light on the support available from NHS Talking Therapies, including access to a team of specialist Employment Advisors (EAs).
James Sturmey, Clinical Lead for West and Central Cheshire NHS Talking Therapies, says: “We recognise the link between productive employment and better health outcomes. With this in mind our services are person-centred, prioritising each client’s unique needs. Employment advisors work alongside people receiving treatment to provide practical advice and support to help people stay in work, explore new job opportunities, or return to employment, with a focus on addressing the emotional challenges related to their work situation through integrated psychological treatment.”
Recent research from YouGov on behalf of Mental Health UK found that nine in 10 UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year. Nearly a quarter of UK adults feel unable to manage their stress and pressure, and one in five workers took time off due to poor mental health caused by stress or pressure.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and open conversations about mental health in the workplace can help break down barriers, creating environments that support well-being for all employees. By normalising these sometimes-difficult conversations, we can challenge misconceptions and empower individuals to ask for help when they need it.
Rich, a 39-year-old dad-of-three from Cheshire, found himself in a position that unfortunately many people can relate to.
Struggling to keep up with the demands of a high-pressure job and raising a young family, after working away from home regularly for over a year, his work-life balance began to crumble.
Rich said: “I was overworked, stressed and I wasn’t getting the right level of support at work. After a while, I just burnt out.”
The impact this had was not just on Rich’s emotional wellbeing - it began to take its toll on his physical health too. After 14 years without having a day off work due to sickness, he started to become frequently unwell and felt exhausted.
Recognising the impact stress and anxiety were having on his life, Rich visited his GP, who recommended NHS Talking Therapies. Through the service, he was offered Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (also known as iCBT) and was also referred to the Employment Support Service to help him manage work-related stress and anxiety in preparation for a return to work.
He said: “It was great how well the two services complemented one other. The Employment Support was focused on helping me get back into work, whilst the online CBT helped me to manage my stress and anxiety, both in work and within my personal life.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is how to say ‘no’. Now, I’m more self-aware and have learnt how to spot the signs when I am nearing my limits.
“The tools and techniques I’ve learned through Talking Therapies and Employment Support have helped me manage my workload. I’m more focused at work, which has had a positive impact on my personal life. I’m more present with my family now, and I don’t feel the constant burden of work hanging over my head. My relationships at home have grown stronger, and I’m clearer on where my priorities lie.”
Rich advises anyone who is facing similar challenges to considering reaching out to NHS Talking Therapies and Employment Support.
He said: “Don’t bottle things up - talk to someone and use the services available to you. You don’t need to feel alone with your struggles. They are only temporary and services like Talking Therapies can help you get back to where you want to be.”
People living within West and Central Cheshire can access NHS talking therapies for free on the NHS by referring themselves directly with or without a referral from a GP.
There are also simple steps you can take to look after your mental health.
The Every Mind Matters website offers expert advice to help improve your wellbeing, as well as practical tips on sleep, coping with money worries and self-care.
