OPINION | Cheryl de Val
CHERYL DE VAL OPINION
As we approach what could be a long period of economic hardship bathroom retailer and part time counsellor, Cheryl de Val, takes this opportunity to highlight the toll this could have on the KBB industry and how we can help each other
‘How are you, really?’ H
ow would you respond if someone asked you right now, “How are you?”. Common responses
The crucial thing is that any support that employers and managers offer comes from a place of genuine care
often include words such as “I’m fine”, “yes, good thanks”, and “busy”. However, like a hot potato, it is often a question we are so keen to throw back to other people that it becomes part of a shared greeting rather than a meaningful question where we genuinely consider our response. Furthermore, perhaps we give even less attention to the answer someone gives us when we ask them the same question in return.
In an industry where sales figures and growth often define us, could there be a risk that those of us who are in it see ourselves as nothing more than a cog in an ever-expanding machine, where we must keep turning to provide the output needed to keep us all ever growing? However, what if I gave you permission to stop turning for a moment, take a deep breath, perhaps even close your eyes, and check in with how you are feeling? With current media attention on the cost-of-living crisis, interest rate rises not seen since the 1980s and general economic uncertainty, we might all be wondering what 2023 will bring to our industry, as well as our own personal circumstances.
Compared to many, I have only been in the bathroom industry a relatively short time – having owned DeVal Bathrooms, in Cambridge, since 2009. In addition to running my bathroom business, I have a degree in Integrative Counselling, and I also work part-time as the head of operations at a counselling and psychotherapy college in Norwich and volunteer part- time as a counsellor at a charity in Cambridge.
Where do I turn for support?
If you are struggling with your mental health the best thing you can do is speak to someone. Here are some useful contacts: • Speak to a trusted friend, family member or colleague
• Make an appointment with your GP • Contact the Furniture Makers Company - a charity that supports the vast majority of those that work in this sector –
www.furnituremakers.org.uk/about/
• Seek some counselling –
www.counselling-directory.org.uk.
• Samaritans: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email
jo@samaritans.org
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• SANEline. If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7).
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). You can call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk.
• Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
We have all probably heard the familiar line that once you are in this industry, there is no getting out. I have witnessed first- hand the bravado that I believe is endemic in the industry; however, as our colleagues naturally turn to friends
through the years of knowing each other, we have no better reason but to want to look out for one another. We may have become accustomed to our identity being linked to what we do and achieve rather than who we are beyond our job titles. Nevertheless, for us to do our jobs well, whether that be creatively designing, innovating, selling, strategising, managing a team or running a business, we have a responsibility to look after our own mental well-being, as well as our colleagues. This responsibility needs to go beyond a round of cakes on a Friday, team check-in meetings, or the provision of an Employer Assistance Programme. The crucial thing is that any support that employers and managers offer comes from a place of genuine care and desire to understand and support their staff, and for it not to be a tick-box, surface-level approach.
So, revisiting my earlier question, asking how you are may be an unfamiliar and uncomfortable one to pose to yourself, and a question, if you are not used to asking, may be difficult to answer honestly. So, rather than list the symptoms associated with mental health struggles, I suggest a slightly different approach of examining if your thoughts and feelings on the inside match your external behaviours and actions. For example, consider how authentic you are around those who know you well and spend a lot of time with. If there is a mismatch between what you’re thinking and feeling inwardly and how others may be experiencing you, it could be a clue you aren’t feeling your best and may benefit from some support. For those of you reading this that realise you are feeling pretty good, then I pass the baton to you. Ask the question to someone else; in my experience, being curious about how someone else is doing might just be the most insightful conversation you have today.
· December 2022
(Source -
www.mind.org.uk)
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