It’s Mental Health Week (May 4-10) here in Canada. The annual event – organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association – is in its 69th year and for 2020, raising awareness is more crucial than ever.
COVID-19 has tested our strengths and weaknesses. The biggest challenge has been navigating the pandemic all the while maintaining our mental clarity.
It has been tough. It has been stressful. However, there are several resources from various organizations that can de-clutter the clutter that arises in our minds.
The Canadian Mental Health Association offers the following for leaders managing anxious employees:
1) Empathize, reassure and understand
2) Have a plan and communicate it frequently
3) Help them adapt and accept that it’s not ‘business as usual’
Morneau Sheppel suggests:
4) Limiting news and social media exposure
5) Connecting with others
6) Seeking professional support
7) Social connection, communication and exercise also play an important role in our mental health. Exercise helps reduce anxiety and withdrawal and helps build up a positive mood and self-esteem. Harper’s Bazaar and Insider magazine offer some work-from-home exercises to help keep you motivated and productive.
Being aware of these real-life scenarios and solutions will allow leaders to offer customized guidance, direction and support to each employee. Continue to build team morale – make yourself available for questions, concerns and general dialogue, and troubleshoot challenges as they arise. You are still the central pillar for the team, and their resilience is determined by how you help them navigate this ‘new normal.’
