Introduction to Mental Health Awareness for Head Teachers for North East EPHA’s Meeting 12 June 2019 Julie Temple Partner Birkett Long LLP

Points we will consider Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Points we will consider Mental health in the workplace Recognising symptoms of mental ill health Best practice in how to deal with employees with mental health issues

Introduction to Mental Health Awareness What is mental health? “A state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” World Health Organisation

Mental ill health: example conditions Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Mental ill health: example conditions Depression Anxiety Stress Schizophrenia Personality disorders

Mental ill health: possible triggers Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Mental ill health: possible triggers Pressure at work Longer hours Low levels of control Poor support Poor communication

Mental ill health: possible triggers Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Mental ill health: possible triggers Financial pressures Relationship problems Moving house

Recognising symptoms Introduction to Mental Health Awareness People with a mental health diagnosis who are healthy and performing well People with a diagnosis who are unwell People with no diagnosis who are well People with no diagnosis but who are very unwell and may not even realise it

Recognising symptoms: physical Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Recognising symptoms: physical Fatigue Indigestion or upset stomach Headaches Appetite and weight changes Joint and back pain Changes in sleep patterns Changes in speech Sweating or feeling cold

Recognising symptoms: psychological Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Recognising symptoms: psychological Mood changes Indecision Changes in personality – motivation, humour Distraction or confusion Lapses in memory Difficulty relaxing

Recognising symptoms: behavioural Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Recognising symptoms: behavioural Increased smoking, drinking, drugs Withdrawal Irritability, anger, aggression Over-excitement Restlessness Lateness, leaving early or extended lunches Increased sickness absence Uncharacteristic errors Uncharacteristic problems with colleagues

Mental health: example roadblocks Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Mental health: example roadblocks Individual Manager/organisation They don’t know Lack of awareness, understanding and confidence Stigma Not my problem! Fear: discrimination impact on career repercussions at home considered responsible Getting it wrong Legal consequences Shhhhhh!

Mental health: key to resolution Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Mental health: key to resolution “create a climate where people feel confident to talk openly about the problems they are experiencing and trust [the school will] do the right thing by them” MFHA Line Managers’ Resource, 2016

Mental health: key to resolution Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Mental health: key to resolution “Having a manager who makes a point of looking out for everyone has changed my life” “What made a huge difference was being asked if I was okay” People Managers’ Guide To Mental Health, CIPD

Mental health: example roadblocks Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Mental health: example roadblocks Individual Manager/organisation They don’t know Lack of awareness, understanding and confidence Stigma Fear: discrimination impact on career repercussions at home considered responsible Getting it wrong Legal consequences Talk openly

Why it matters: Facts and figures Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Why it matters: Facts and figures One in four people experience a mental health issue per year 1 in 5 to 1 in 6 adults are suffering from a mental health issue at any given time 1 in 5 take time off for stress But 90% feel unable to be honest about it 49% feel uncomfortable talking to employer about their mental health 9 in 10 who experience mental ill health experience stigma and discrimination

Around 70 million working days lost to mental ill health per year Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Why it matters: Facts and figures Around 70 million working days lost to mental ill health per year This costs between £70bn and £100bn per year MFHA Line Managers’ Resource, 2016

Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Best practice

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Birkett Long Human Resources HR’S ROLE IN DEVELOPING APPROPRIATE WORKPLACE BEHAVIOUR Birkett Long Human Resources Charlotte Holman Solicitor 01268 244 150 charlotte.holman@birkettlong.co.uk   Reggie Lloyd Associate Solicitor 01206 217 347 reggie.lloyd@birkettlong.co.uk   Julie Temple Partner Head of BLHR & Employment 01206 217 318 julie.temple@birkettlong.co.uk Martin Hopkins Partner 01206 217 610 martin.hopkins@birkettlong.co.uk   James Anaxagorou Business Development Manager 01268 824 922 james.anaxagorou@birkettlong.co.uk  

Thank you Julie Temple Partner Birkett Long LLP