Is someone you care about struggling with their mental health? Would you like to help, but aren’t sure how? Are you worried that you might say something wrong, or make things worse?
Most of us want to do the right thing and support our friends and co-workers, but we are not always sure how. Sometimes we feel that it is not our place, or that they will be angry at us.
“Meet Ruthann” –
Hi, I'm Ruthann Weeks, Principal Consultant at Harmony In The Workplace. Many people are struggling with their mental health and you may be worried about a friend, co-worker or family member who is not doing so great. Having a conversation may help someone stay safe and prevent harm. I am passionate about providing people with the understanding and tools they need to recognize when someone is struggling and support them in practical ways.
When we are worried about a co-worker, neighbor or friend, having a conversation with them about it is not always easy. What if they don’t want to talk about it? What if they are offended or embarrassed?
The truth is, knowing someone cares can go a long way towards keeping someone safe and having the conversation does not have to be complicated.
What if you could recognize the signs and symptoms of struggle and knew how to respond appropriately? Imagine if bringing up the subject and having that real conversation was easy.
Introducing:
Mental Health SOS™: Critical Conversations
What you will learn:
A greater awareness of the mental health journey
Signs and symptoms of struggle and how it shows up
How psychological safety and empathy can help
A chance to practice your new learning and apply it
Imagine being able to approach your co-worker, friend or family member and have a conversation about mental health that is comfortable and relaxed. What if the outcome is that they feel supported and encouraged? How would that make you feel?
Are you worried that you are going to feel awkward having such a personal conversation? Maybe you are concerned that bringing it up may cause someone even more pain?
I get it. It can be uncomfortable. That is why the model I teach is non-threatening and allows the person you approach to share as much, or as little as they want to. The goal is that they feel seen and supported. Knowing someone cares can go a long way to keeping someone safe.
“We appreciated the direct discussion and frankness around the mental wellness topic. A lot of conversations normally tiptoe around the subject but Ruthann’s presentation was direct, which will help employees gain a better insight of what is happening to and around them. Our employees were happy about this direct discussion, especially around the signs and behavioral changes”
The psychological effects from Covid-19 are expected to last two to five years and providing supports to those struggling on their mental health journey is a skill in demand.
Content is delivered live on-line
Recordings available for registrants who miss the training
A framework with scripts to practice having that critical conversation
Consider this:
77% of workers said they would leave their current employer for one with better supports for their well-being.
20% of workers have voluntarily left a role for mental health reasons
50% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z have left roles that didn’t support them
Self paced on line learning:
Ruthann Weeks is a Cultural Change Strategist and Principal Consultant at Harmony In The Workplace. She is a change agent whose efforts have helped to bring the importance of an abuse-free work environment to the forefront of public awareness. She is a best-selling author and gifted speaker who delivers a powerful message about today’s workplace challenges.
Working as a Certified Resource Specialist in the human service sector, Ruthann went on to graduate as a Human Resource Manager. She is a Certified Psychological Safety Advisor and specializes in diversity and inclusion, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, domestic violence and mental health in the workplace.