Mental health, well-being and some timely advice for the security sector
Harmeet advised, “Have strong boundaries between what you are doing at home and the work that you are doing. The biggest challenge is to demarcate your time and to identify those boundaries. When video conferencing,
show up as authentic humans, have your camera on. It's always good to see people's faces, to remain connected – this is one of the aspects which people are missing.”
She added, “I notice a lot of leaders now learning to open meetings by asking questions around how people are feeling and showing they care by not immediately jumping into what needs to be done. Spending time understanding people is very important for the mental well-being of those you're interacting with.”
Philip explained this approach to working from home: “It is important to have a routine and make sure you stick to it in the same way you would do in an office environment. Prepare for work as if you were going out, so get dressed, don't sit in front of the computer in your pyjamas. Have a dedicated place for work so that work stays within that bubble and don’t move it around the house or your apartment. Make time for yourself and do some exercise. I've got a two-and-a-half-year-old border collie puppy and she's fantastic at making sure that I do that!”
He continued, “Spend time with your family and share your stresses. Look after each other, so don't be afraid just to pick the phone up and have a chat with someone. Ask them how they are and have a social chat about other bits and pieces. We've got the time to do it now.”
Supporting colleagues and friends
The panel discussed the ways you can support someone in a state of stress. The first stage is to recognise when someone is in difficulty.
Philip explained,“The biggest indicator is a change in behaviour, like a colleague that was known for their diligence now being sloppy. This could be a cry for attention.”
The next challenge is knowing the right thing to say. Pippa said, “It can be really difficult. It is important to build a little connection, even if it is a public situation, and some sort of trust that you are there to help that person.”
When you have ongoing concerns about an individual, Pippa advised, “Acknowledge that you've noticed a change in this person, that they are not in a good place with their mental health and show concern. Create an opportunity for them to say what is going on for them. Try your best to understand where they're coming from. Quite a common thing when you listen to someone who is having a hard time is to want to rescue them and offer lots of solutions and advice. This can be really alienating. It's much more important to step back and let the person talk and for you to try and understand what it's like for them, rather than trying to solve their problems. Listening will help you to really assess what the situation is for that person and to encourage them to get some support, if you know that's appropriate.”
Harmeet advised, “To help people connect I also ask where they are feeling the stress in their body because that's where people tend to lose their connection. It's a difficult question to ask because many of us have completely dissociated with our physical self. We think we exist purely in the head. We get paid for all our credentials, knowledge and expertise. I also help people connect with their breath as one of the key ways to shift people from being stressed.”
Signposting security professionals
The panel next shared how to signpost colleagues to help. Philip advised: “If you can talk to family or friends that's a good start. If you can't, talk to a colleague you can trust. If it’s getting more serious, there are a number of charities and professional organisations that are easy to find. Then, ultimately, if you're in crisis, see your GP.”
© CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – AUTUMN 2020 www. c i t y s e cur i t yma ga z in e . com Final Comments
The panel were asked to conclude with their most important advice.
Yolanda began. “For me, it is the three Ps: Proactive – ask questions; People they can approach; Policy on mental health. I also want to leave you with a question: how many people in your organisation have self-assessed with mental health concerns as opposed to a physical sickness? That's an interesting question.”
Harmeet added, “Human cognition is not something that happens exclusively in our brains; it happens in our nervous system. And our nervous system is all over our body. When we are looking to make any change, we need to make sure that we are completely embodying it, we are able to talk about our feelings and we are connected with our soma (our body).”
Philip said, “I'd emphasise that mental health issues are either a condition or an illness and therefore can be treated. Culture is important and it's vital that everyone within your organisation understands that at times it's alright not to be alright.”
Pippa concluded, “It is so important for organisations to embrace mental health as a whole as part of the culture of the organisation and on an individual level. I would also say keep in touch with people at these times when people do feel disconnected.”
‘Mental health, well-being and the security sector’ was part of a series of Thought Leadership webinars being hosted every Tuesday and Thursday during the COVID-19 pandemic, free and open to all, by Perpetuity Research and World Excellence Awards. For more information see
theospas.com
Andrea Berkoff City Security magazine
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