Becky Graham on Mental Health Awareness
What are some common misconceptions about mental health that you've encountered, and how can we address them?
Generally that it is something to be ashamed of, or everyone should be able to just cope all the time.
What are some practical tips for maintaining good mental health in today's fast-paced digital world?
For me, keeping some routine helps stop negative thoughts taking over, this has been especially true during uncertain times in the VFX industry. Though it may seem mundane, getting up going to the gym or waking the dog, followed by cleaning the kitchen then dropping my teenagers off at school every morning, grounds me and makes me feel useful.
What are some effective coping mechanisms you have found for dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression?
Exercise and forcing self-care really helps me, just even getting out for a quick walk with the dog. Remembering that this stressful time I’m going through is temporary. I have been using a hypnosis app to help me sleep and to reinforce positivity, which is surprisingly great. Now, I turn on my chosen programme and fall asleep after a few words are spoken.
How can we create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with mental health concerns?
Hopefully the stigma attached to getting help for mental health issues is reducing, but it is still there for everyone.
What are some common stressors in the workplace, and how can individuals effectively manage them to maintain good mental health?
I like to let all my team know that they can speak up and offer suggestions or solutions. Feeling a hierarchical work structure heavily enforced makes people walk on eggshells and not flourish in their role.
Can you share tips for setting boundaries between work and personal life to promote better mental well-being?
I think it would be great to only get work emails on a computer or specified work phone. That way, there won’t be the constant out-of-hours noise, which people, including me, feel obliged to respond to straight away.
How can managers/leaders support the mental health needs of their team members, especially during challenging times or periods of high stress?
Being mindful of people’s personal time, such as lunch breaks. Plus, being aware that if a person seems to be struggling, added pressure when stressed never really helps anyone.
What resources or tools do you recommend for those seeking help with mental health issues?
Using an app for hypnosis or meditation really helps with a moment of peace. There are so many available; the one I use is called Deep Belief.
