Dear Terms and Conditions Readers,
This month is Mental Health Awareness Month and we have invited several guest to share their advice and insights on the importance of mental health, how we can improve our mental health and in the workplace as well.
LAVINA TAM
Lavinia Tam is an author, slasher, and self-love advocate. Previously a plus-size model, she motivated fellow plus-size girls to share their stories and find themselves unique. She has promoted a life filled with free thoughts while working in several fields. She seeks passion in the creative industry and works on providing a safe space to talk about mental health. She is now working on her debut novel, a fictional story about transcending pain and vengeance and turning hate into love. Her book will debut by the end of 2024/ early 2025.
Regarding juggling work and mental health, what are your top tips on staying grounded?
“Finding the balance. The balance is different from time management but something more specific, like music. Music is my tip on staying grounded, as it allows me to break free for a moment and settle my fluctuating emotions.”
What is the most important message you want to share with young professionals afraid to bring up concerns about mental wellness in the workplace?
“Just be you. Speak up about it. Remember, there is nothing wrong with feeling weak in your mentality. That is part of being human. If people give you a side eye about mental wellness, just hit them back with a side eye for being prejudiced.”
As a business owner/supervisor/industry leader, what measures would you recommend to small businesses for them to uphold team spirit and positivity?
“Connection is key. Talk to each other, create a safe space to let emotions out, allow members of the team to take a break to accept their emotions, and let each other have space to process difficulties and challenges. Different people undergo different mentalities uniquely. Take time.”
TRACY FINK
Tracy Fink is a coach, teacher and speaker who is passionate about showing people how to treat themselves as they would their best friend or client. She is the Founder of The Tortoise Institute where she consults with companies and organizations to build awareness and emotional intelligence to boost individual and team effectiveness.
Regarding juggling work and mental health, what are your top tips on staying grounded?
My meditation practice is something that keeps me grounded. I usually do about 10 minutes a day of breathing, journaling or walking. I try to do it every day even if it’s for a short period of time. When I don’t do it, I feel off and unbalanced.
What is the most important message you want to share with young professionals afraid to bring up concerns about mental wellness in the workplace?
Don’t wait to get professional help from a therapist or support group. Everyone is struggling with something. When we think we are the only ones who struggle, we remain separate. Share with a trusted work friend what is going on. While it may sound counterintuitive, sharing first often encourages others to share with you.
As a business owner/supervisor/industry leader, what measures would you recommend to small businesses for them to uphold team spirit and positivity?
Take the time to show people you care. Ask how they are, remember what people tell you about their family and outside interests. Five minutes with someone can go very far to build loyalty and trust.
JUSTIN SIN
Graduate from UCL & English and Humanities Tutor
What are your top tips for staying grounded in juggling work and mental health?
These tips vary from person to person. I could tell you that you need to find a balance, but sometimes, when your world collapses, that’s difficult. What happens when you find yourself unable to enjoy the things that you used to? What happens when everything that used to be sweet in your life has suddenly turned bitter? For me, talking about it has always been helpful. Just to have someone, anyone to talk to allows me to escape the rabbit holes I dig myself into. They don’t even need to say anything. They just need to listen. It takes a lot to find these kinds of people in your life, and let me emphasise that you shouldn’t always rely on these people. I am not encouraging unhealthy levels of codependence. Do everything you can to correct yourself first, whether it be exercise, a good meal, playing some games, or indulging in something that might seem ‘overly indulgent’ in moderation. I know that sounds paradoxical, but so many things that work with mental health are. Do what you need to do. Yet, if you find yourself completely overwhelmed with everything painful and challenging that comes with living, I think the best and most reliable course is to always talk to someone– a friend, a family member or a licensed professional. There is no shame in any of it.
What is the most important message you want to share with young professionals afraid to bring up concerns about mental wellness in the workplace?
I believe that, for young professionals, it is challenging to share mental wellness issues in their entirety. Many workplace managers often complain about the increasingly lax attitude of Gen Z individuals. While not all young professionals do this, managers will have significant concerns about the exaggeration of mental illness to skive off doing work. As such, young professionals should err on the side of caution. If you are overwhelmed, let your manager know, but do not just trauma dump on them. While an ideal world might be accepting of all mental health backgrounds, the reality is that managers have quotas to meet, and an unproductive worker, no matter the reason, is not suitable for business. Like I said in the previous question, moderate yourself, set clear parameters and communicate clearly without coming off as entitled as much as possible. If you want to keep your job, you must show that you’re willing to do what it takes, even in uncomfortable situations, especially in the current economic climate. If you are experiencing outbreaks of mental health illness, let your manager know and provide them with clear, evidenced rationales for your issues and achievable targets that you can reach.
BRYANA MARSHALL
Regarding juggling work and mental health, what are your top tips on staying grounded?
Create a routine that is realistic for your schedule, not overwhelming, and includes activities that specifically bring you joy; whether that’s reading before bed, journaling in the morning, or a mini morning workout. Take intentional moments out of your day to be still and to prioritise caring for yourself, whatever that looks like.
What is the most important message you want to share with young professionals afraid to bring up concerns about mental wellness in the workplace?
Your mental health is the top priority, it affects how you treat yourself, treat others, and how you experience life. Advocate for yourself, know your value, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. If you are not in an environment that values you and your mental health, it isn’t the environment for you. And that’s definitely easier said than done, especially in this economy, but always strive to go where you are valued.
As a business owner/supervisor/industry leader, what measures would you recommend to small businesses for them to uphold team spirit and positivity?
Have genuine, regular check-ins with team members, ensuring manageable workloads to prevent burnout, organise bonding activities, and maintain transparency about the business vision and each team member’s role within it.