Tesco launches voluntary mental health training to help UK colleagues to talk openly about mental health. One colleague, Yvonne Martin, shares her experience:
I’m a People Manager and have worked at Tesco for 25 years. Despite no history of mental health issues, in 2010 I was off work sick for five months suffering from anxiety and depression.
Recognising the signs of depression
At the time there had been family bereavements and my Mum had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. My six-year-old son had been suffering from seizures leading to multiple hospital visits. I found the worry about my family incredibly stressful. At work, I was helping colleagues deal with their own problems. All these things were emotionally draining and left me feeling physically and mentally exhausted. I’d become someone unrecognizable to my family, friends, and colleagues. I’d always been strong and forthright. Instead, I was tearful, withdrawn and emotional. Eventually, I broke down.
Luckily, my GP supported me and my family. He diagnosed anxiety and depression signed me off work and arranged counseling. My treatment was somewhat similar to the Honey Lake depression treatment and helped me overcome my challenges. I have also prescribed medication which helped control my anxiety and help me get onto the right path.
I thought the best thing to do would be to leave Tesco as, in my mind, that was what was making me ill. I thought if I did I would get better. However, my husband and GP made sure I didn’t make any rash decisions. I’m truly grateful to them.
Treatment and support
After five months of treatment, I returned to work with a six-week support plan. As part of my return, I arranged with my manager to job share with another colleague. I now have a great work-life balance and work alongside a fantastic colleague. My confidence and zest for life have all returned.
My advice to others would be to understand that people with mental illness are not well. You may not be able to see something physical that needs repair, like a broken leg, but it is still just as important. Give them the time and understanding they need and remember that this can happen to anyone.
Our mental health is something we should all pay closer attention to. Luckily more and more resources are being put forward for people to use to help them with reoccurring mental health problems. This can be in the form of physical activity, emotional support, or being prescribed certain medicines which can either be traditional or alternative. They may look at cbd products to help with their mental health issues, as cbd is becoming more and more popular in the UK. Cbd is a derivative of marijuana, which is also a potential treatment for mental health problems. Medical marijuana has now been legalized here in the UK, although we are still a long way behind countries like America and Canada in their use of it. Click here to see some of the best products available in those countries to compare with what we currently have here. Remember, you should always consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments, just to be safe.
I’m pleased Tesco is rolling-out its mental health training to all colleagues including mental wellness first aider training in partnership with Mind Apples. I hope this helps colleagues have a greater understanding of their own mental health. It means that it isn’t just up to you to find the reason for the malaise and treat it, which is important.
