When it comes to Mental Health…
Leaders are People Too
Being a leader is not dissimilar to being a parent. You are called on to guide, cultivate, instruct, motivate, inspire, and hold accountable, those who report to you. However, as a leader, these skills are in addition to meeting your own targets and responsibilities. It’s a big job.
Leaders can sometimes feel overwhelmed by these complex demands. Pressure on HR and Management has increased exponentially over the last few years, and now new challenges presented by the hybrid work environment are adding an additional burden. You are not only expected to manage in a traditional way (targets, performance, strategy, etc.), but also be a mental health and relational “expert.”
This can mean addressing:
- Employee emotions
- Parenting struggles
- E-bullying and harassment
- Boundaries – work and personal
- Stress leave
- Conflict and…
- Your own stress and burnout!
As a result, you may be experiencing some of the following common workplace mental health issues:
- Anxiety/Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessions (going over and over situations in your mind with no solutions)
- Addictions
- Adjustment Issues
- Heightened Frustration, Irritability
- Reduced Resilience to Stress – cumulative and additive
- Fatigue
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), in the workplace is generally as a result of micro-aggressions, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and violence.
Boundaries are the first step in easing the pressure.
Take some time to step back and determine what is essential to you in your role as a leader. Ask yourself, “Is it required in my job role as a leader that I…”
Be a professional counsellor?
Boundary: No. In a workplace, you cannot assume the role of counsellor. That is outside your professional and legal scope. If people at work turn to you for mental health advice know your limits and stay within them. Refer them to a psychologist or registered psychotherapist.
Know the mental health diagnosis of staff members?
Boundary: No. This is never your role as this is the private health care information of the individual. You need to protect yourself from liability by not involving yourself.
Do I know how to treat common mental health disorders?
Boundary: No. You are a leader, not a mental health professional. You are not trained and licensed to treat mental health issues. That said, as a leader it is essential to have an understanding of how these issues present in the workplace and how to manage them within the limits of your organizational role. Training can help you understand your boundaries and thus ease the pressure others may be placing on you, or you may be placing on yourself.
Offer helpful resources?
Boundary: Yes, by all means, share the resources your organization offers to its employees regarding mental health assistance. These can include EAP referral services or access to licensed professionals such as psychologists and psychotherapists through corporate Extended Health Coverage plans.
Do I make myself knowledgeable about mental health issues in the workplace and how to manage them in an appropriate manner?
Boundary: Yes, understanding your roles and responsibilities allows you to clearly articulate what you can and cannot respond to in your work role.
You can also arm yourself with reliable information provided by licensed professionals. Workright’s Certificate Program in the Management of Mental Health and Psychological Safety provides you with the information and downloadable resources you need to safely navigate mental health issues in your workplace. Ask your manager to support you in enrolling in this top-tier e-learning certificate program, and feel proud to add it to your list of certifications and accomplishments.
Take care of yourself.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or burned out, and experiencing some of the symptoms identified above, it is essential that you take care of your own mental health by:
- Seeking help from a licensed psychologist or registered psychotherapist;
- Listening to podcasts or reading books by licensed professionals;
- Taking online courses such as those developed by Workright’s mental health professionals (View Catalog), category mental health and wellness
By Donna Marshall, M.A., Counselling Psychology, RP, CEO and Co-Founder
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