BCF Blog: Can we have a chat? – Mental health & beyond

By Belle Lake, Membership & Technical Executive and BCF's Mental Health First Aider

With the shortest day behind us, it's typical to experience the effects of changing seasons and weather. When the weather becomes colder or warmer, you could see a decline in your mood or energy and detect alterations in your sleeping or eating routines. Incorporating natural light into your daily routine during the winter has been found to have a significant impact on increasing serotonin levels and overcoming the winter blues. Every February, we celebrate Time to Talk Day, an annual event that encourages open conversations about mental health in the workplace and beyond. Having a discussion about mental health can be challenging and is often viewed negatively, but it can have a profound impact on someone's life. Talking to your colleagues or reaching out to a Mental Health First Aider are both effective ways to safeguard your mental well-being.

The British Coatings Federation employs various methods to promote mental well-being within the team. Belle, our Mental Health First Aider, regularly distributes a seasonal newsletter focused on Employee Health & Wellbeing. This informative communication includes details on employee benefits, upcoming team social events and bike rides, as well as tips for maintaining good mental health. In addition to her other responsibilities, Belle has planned a lunch focused on well-being for the staff. This event encourages them to pause their work and come together to eat, play games, and chat with their colleagues about non-work related topics. By participating in teambuilding activities, the BCF team has strengthened their relationships and fostered a stronger sense of trust within the office environment. As the Christmas season approached, BCF made the Help@Hand app available to all employees, offering unlimited mental health resources and a 24/7 helpline for emotional and practical aid.

The younger generations in the UK, especially women and individuals from BAME or LGBTQIA+ communities, are most frequently diagnosed with anxiety, stress, and depression, which are three of the most prevalent mental health disorders. Yet, that is not the entirety of the situation; men are facing a surge in mental health challenges, despite being less inclined to openly address them. A worrying trend is the rise of reported cases where our work is being hindered by our well-being. In 2024, it should not be tolerated for individuals to feel unable to openly address their mental health. It’s time to talk.

The pandemic, economic pressures, and social issues have led to a rise in mental health concerns. But there is hope. Taking small steps can contribute to positive mental well-being and lead to a happier and healthier 2024. Make exercise part of your routine. Research shows exercise can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. For individuals who are struggling with low energy and motivation, consider starting slow with a 5-minute daily walk. This is a good way to get your body moving and it’s easy to slowly increase the activity level as confidence builds. Use meditation to reduce stress. Studies suggest meditation can help with stress and anxiety.  Around 62% of adults don’t talk about their stress because they don’t want to burden others. If you’re struggling to talk about your stress, mindfulness meditation can be an easy strategy to add to your routine. Ask for help. Mental health challenges increase the urge to isolate but this will only worsen these feelings in the long-term. Don’t be ashamed or feel guilty about asking for help. Talking about your feelings can be a great way to understand and address the root cause.