Leave your pills at home
If you’ve ever felt the need to hide your mental health struggles at work, you’re not alone.
At the end of the day, as important as the workplace is for an individual, the individual's health is infinitely much more important.
Where is your mind while you're at work? Many of us juggle the demands of our jobs while trying to keep our mental health in check.
In the first episode of the Mind @ Work podcast, host Elana
Afrika-Bredenkamp explores how to achieve and maintain good mental health at
work with Specialist Psychiatrist Dr Gagu Matsebula and life coach, TEDx
speaker, and author Lori Milner.
Breaking down stigmas around mental health at work
They discuss the differences between mental health and mental illness, offer practical tips for maintaining wellbeing at work, and break down some of the barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health in the workplace.
The role of the coach is to say ‘how?’ because there's a huge gap between knowing and doing.
How workplace culture impacts mental health
The conversation also touches on workplace culture. "Workplaces need to foster a culture of acceptance," says Dr Matsebula.
Both guests stress the importance of empathy when a colleague discloses their mental health struggles. "Listen with respect and treat this person with dignity," Dr Matsebula urges. "At the end of the day, as important as the workplace is for an individual, the individual's health is infinitely more important," he adds.
Show up fully without letting stress take over
Lori Milner brings a fresh perspective on coaching, emphasising that it’s not just about knowing what to do but actually putting it into practice. She shares actionable advice on how to plan your day, set boundaries, and show up fully at work without letting stress take over.
Throughout the episode, Elana and her guests explore why work often becomes such a big part of our identity. They discuss ways to find balance so work doesn't consume all our energy and attention.
Listen to the full episode at the top of the page or directly below - and learn how small changes in your habits and mindset can make a big difference in your wellbeing at work.
Prefer the video version? Watch it below.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please know that help is available. Here are some valuable resources:
Get in touch with SADAG
24-HOUR TOLL-FREE EMERGENCY HELPLINES
Cipla Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789
SMS 31393
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312
8AM-8PM SADAG OFFICE NUMBER - 011 234 4837
WHATSAPP NUMBERS (8AM – 5PM)
Cipla Mental Health - 076 882 2775
Maybelline BraveTogether - 087 163 2030
Ke Moja Substance Abuse - 087 163 2025
Have Hope Chat Line - 087 163 2050
The Mind @ Work podcast series explores the mental hurdles we face in the workplace and how understanding our minds can lead to real, lasting solutions. New episodes will be released every Wednesday throughout October.
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Mind @ Work is a JacPod Original Podcast. It is both an audio and video production.