In my previous blog I shared some lifestyle tips supported with expert’s links on managing our own mental health. In this blog I continue the theme of mental health taking a different perspective in how to help others.
When I started working in the salon as an apprentice, I was a little chatterbox and loved sharing my ill formed opinions with my captive audience sitting in the chair. One day a senior Colourist took me aside and informed me that the clients were expecting to release their frustrations and problems and not listen to mine. It struck a chord and not a good one which I later came to terms with the help of family, friends and while working on my Psychology degree, yes, I carried that one thoughtless remark with me for many years.
You may be a Salon owner, Manager, Trainer, Mentor or colleague and will be faced over the course of your career employees and colleagues that will be going through good times and bad. You may spot changes in someone’s behaviour or they may come to you directly for help either way it is important that you don’t try to fix things. Difficult for most of us not to get involved but mental health is a complex field and scientists are still learning with many a debate on different solutions. You will be better placed to help your staff or colleagues if you can take a hands-off approach.
Be a good listener; don’t interrupt or try to problem solve the issues or perceptions being shared; just listen. You could paraphrase some of what is being said, without changing the meaning, put what you are hearing into your own words which helps to make someone feel like they are being understood. Do encourage the conversation for some hearing their concerns and struggles out loud can bring new helpful perspective. You may feel this is not enough but for many having someone who listens is all they need especially when working in a service industry where they have to do most of the listening. If you would like more information on active listening skills click here.
Don’t dismiss anything being shared; colleagues or staff who come to you for help probably had to build up the courage to approach you for help. It can be quite devastating to then hear a comment like; don’t worry about that, that’s nothing or even worse, you need to push through it, suck it up and get on with it…or similar, you get the gist. When I observed this in the workplace, I noticed a lot of it stemming from the confidant themselves not equip to deal with the situation. Offer concern and recognise their feelings toward the difficultly they are facing, be kind. Don’t try to empathise as you cannot feel what they are feeling.
Create an environment of acceptance; speak candidly about mental health, the first step in removing the stigma is to stop treating mental illness as taboo. Keep it on everyone’s top-of-mind by keeping the conversation going. Include everyone within the salon; sometimes younger, newer or part-time colleagues can feel left out. Prioritise confidentiality and anonymity, some people might still feel uncomfortable discussing it, particularly if they struggle with addiction, trauma or suicidal thoughts.
Encourage mental health breaks; you may remember in my previous blog my brain buffering walks around the block. It could also be a micro break/holiday to stay at home or travel. Try keeping a list of websites or help groups you can share and do curate the list by narrowing it down to appropriate options for them to try first; don’t forget to follow up on how they are getting on.
Design a mentally healthy work space; it important to feel energised and uplifted by our work environment. You might find this blog interesting on workplace environment and mental health.
Share; some of your own experiences (if you feel comfortable and it’s relevant) and how you personally overcame your challenges. This should feel like sharing experiences rather than problem solving. The idea is to help someone who is struggling with their emotional wellbeing to know they are not alone and even people they look up have had to cope with personal challenges.
Asking for help is a sign of strength. If someone is overwhelmed by their feelings, they will benefit from professional assistance. Encourage them to speak with their GP or opt for an online clinic if they prefer more anonymity.
Stay safe
Caroline
