We caught up with Gordon Mcintyre from Hospitality Health to hear his thoughts on Mental Health Awareness Week and to highlight what support is out
there for those who may require it, and where to find it.
It’s a really strange time for us all, even for those of us who would normally say that we had good mental health. The ‘Lockdown’ is starting to affect us all, no surprise. Being in the same building with the same people for nearly 10 weeks, no other real outside socialisation, other than the virtual Zoom family quiz or the function of going shopping (a great opportunity to get out I hear you say!).
I have been talking to parents of young children, the homeschooling is no fun, keeping those under school age entertained has become a real challenge and almost a chore, when it used to be the best time of the week. They want to get back to work, get some adult conversation and normality back into their life.
Worrying Time For Hospitality
For those in hospitality, it is a really worrying time, being furloughed is very supportive, allowing the employer to ensure staff are receiving income, while the business is closed. The reality in many cases is this is just putting off the inevitable, delaying the news of becoming unemployed. This is creating a huge amount of anxiety among hospitality staff. This anxiety is a trauma, that requires to be treated and supported, as any other visible trauma would be.
Stop, Reflect & Refocus
Mental Health awareness week allows us to highlight what support is out
there for those who may require it, and where to find it. This is a time for us to stop, reflect and refocus our minds. Take time out from a hectic day. Walk and admire the beauty of nature, the colours are brilliant right now, Spring has sprung. Have a walk with your favourite music playing in your headphones – as loud as you want! You will feel energised, smile at those you pass, they will
smile back!
3 Secrets of resilient people
- “ACCEPT” it, you know that you cannot control what has happened,
ACCEPT the things you can change, and also reject the things you cannot! - Choose and “HUNT THE GOOD”– find things you can be grateful for.
Switch the focus of your attention to think of good things. Pin positive signs on
the wall - Consider is this going to” HELP” or “HARM” me, always choose “HELP”,
you can control that. Be kind to yourself
The 5 steps of WELLBEING
- Be CONNECTED, to friends, family, community
- Try LEARNING something new, cooking, musical instrument, repair
things - GIVE back – be KIND help someone else. A smile, thank you,
volunteering. - Take NOTICE, nature is all around, stop and look, colours and sounds, be
in the NOW. - Keep ACTIVE, have a routine, walk, cycle, run, walk a dog – no need for the gym.
Hospitality Health is a Scottish charity, formed in August of 2018 to support staff and students in the amazing world of Hospitality. It is clear that for several years the Industry has become more stressful for extremely hard working management and staff.
We’ll be sharing more news this week to spread awareness of looking after your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, contact the team at Hospitality Health for a range of practical support.
