South East Leadership Academy

I am struggling today

Ask for support | Get practical help | Talk to someone

It is OK to not feel OK

Navigating self-help and supporting others can feel tricky at times.

Whether this relates to you or others, help is at hand. You do not need to face anything alone. There is a variety of support available and processes to escalate concerns.

So, how are you doing today?

Green

Feeling good, coping quite well, able to adapt to changing and/or challenging circumstances?

  • That’s fantastic! Keep doing what you are doing, commit to, and have a regular emotional, mental and physical ‘check-in’ with yourself and others. It’s important to stay well.
  • Take the time to take a breath.
  • This could be a good time to think about your growth or inspiration.

Amber

Have you started noticing in yourself or others that you/they are not coping as well?
Have you noticed increased levels of anxiety, worry or low mood?
Are current difficulties having a greater impact on a day-to-day life?

  • You may be experiencing a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances – try to stay compassionate towards yourself and others, we are working through a pandemic.
  • Which areas have started to suffer? Your sleep? Motivation? Personal relationships? You may find that in some areas you are doing quite well!
  • Talk through your needs and challenges with someone and try to identify areas which would benefit from immediate support.

There is a wealth of resources available across this website, including links to Staff Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs available across the South East.

Red

Have things started to become unmanageable?
Are you or others struggling with suicidal thoughts?
Are usual coping mechanisms not working?
Do you feel you or your colleague reached a crisis point?

  • Sometimes things can get on top of us. It’s important to reach out for the appropriate support to move away from the ‘red zone’. This crisis will pass, but help is needed.
  • If you deem the risk to be high, as a colleague or manager, you have a duty of care to get support for them.
  • Remember that talking about suicide does not increase the likelihood of a person taking their life. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may actually reduce the risk of suicide and lead to improvements in mental health.
  • Consider what support is needed at this point – ask the right questions, share your concern, and signpost them to the relevant help and support with their agreement or by escalation.

Remember, support is available:

If you suspect that someone is a risk to themselves, please stay in contact with them and if required take them to A&E or call 111, option 2 for additional assistance from the local mental health crisis support team.

Resources

Below you can find simple, printable resources for you and your team.

  1. Access the infographic of the I’m struggling today guide. Check out other resources on this website including returning from sick leave, working remotely and shielding and working in high-risk areas.
  2. A set of guides for NHS leaders and managers to support their staff including the HAY guide and visual tips and tools.

3. E-Learning programme on Staff Wellbeing and Resilience during COVID-19.

4. Wellbeing pocket guides on topics including: finding perspective in tough times, quietening your inner critic, becoming your own cheerleader, building your support network, finding balance and treating yourself with compassion by the Elizabeth Casson Trust.