Ask the Coach - Mental Health in Tumultuous Times
By: Merrill Pierce
Dear Merrill,
Recently one of my employees confided in me about some mental health problems she was facing. I suggested she speak to someone professionally but also wanted to support her with some good advice. What or how should a boss handle a situation like this?
We are a small business (35 employees), and I am concerned, not only for her own well being but also for the other members of the team that she manages.
Thank you,
Concerned Boss
Dear Concerned Boss,
I consulted one of my many resources and feel the content below may help.
Three Steps for handling mental health issues during tumultuous times… excerpt from Mindful Leadership:
As the tragedies between Israel and Palestine unfold right before our eyes, there's this collective emotion, this palpable anguish, and a quest for clarity that's proving difficult for many. The weight of it all can press on our mental landscapes. Let's walk through some insights on how to sail these choppy waters, underlining the need for genuine emotional resonance, wise media habits, and the unparalleled strength found in patience and giving things some room.
1. Embrace the Storm: Anger, Rage, and Sorrow
Here's the thing about emotions: they're real, raw, and rooted deep within our psyche, influenced by our past, principles, and present situations. When we feel anger or sorrow, it's not about agreeing with what's causing it, it's about acknowledging its presence without that harsh self-judgment. Think of emotions as waves – sometimes calm, sometimes raging, but always passing. And here's the silver lining - in sharing these emotions, we often find ourselves echoed by others, building bridges of mutual understanding.
Let's call it for what it is: "I'm angry", "I'm hurting". Pinpointing emotions without judgment can be the first step in healing. This isn't about bottling things up; it's about knowing oneself, leaning into our emotions, and through that vulnerability, fostering genuine connections.
2. News Without the Emotional Whiplash
With tensions running high globally, finding a balance between staying updated and maintaining our mental sanctum becomes, frankly, a bit of a tightrope act. The ceaseless wave of biased content, especially concerning heart-rending events, takes a toll. How about this? Designate specific "news hours” and dodge those real-time pings. Choose your sources wisely, going for ones that offer depth over drama. The goal? Be informed, but not inundated.
Take a beat. Before letting a piece of news or a fiery tweet under your skin, gauge its origin, its purpose, and how it makes you feel. Resist the siren call of online brawls, which often leave you more drained than enlightened. It’s about quality, not quantity. Take in information, but don't let it consume you.
3. Patience, Space, and the Mirage of Instant Solutions
With the world seemingly in perpetual chaos, it's no surprise that emotions are running high and the desire for instant answers intensifies. But wars and conflicts, they're intricate, and seldom do they fit neat solutions. Top minds in mindfulness and psychology urge us to resist the instant ‘fix-it’ approach, leaning instead into the beauty of patience. Real solutions, understanding, and healing? They're marathons, not sprints.
As we brave these times, it's vital to respect everyone's unique coping mechanisms. Before jumping to conclusions or pushing our well-meant advice, let's just be there supportive and patient. Realizing that healing dances to its own rhythm and that sometimes all one needs is a listening ear or just some quiet space.
Final Thoughts
Our inner world is deeply intertwined with the external chaos, and understanding this connection can be the first step towards managing our responses. Embracing genuine emotions paves the way for personal growth and sets the stage for others to do likewise. Mindful consumption keeps us informed, not inflamed. And by honoring time, patience, and space, we lay down the foundations for healing and understanding. It's these thoughtful steps that can lead us towards more understanding and a hopeful dawn.
Best,
Merrill
We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.
Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.
Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to askmerrill@gmail.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).
