Mental Health Awareness Week UK is from Monday May 13th 2024 to Sunday May 19th 2024. It’s time we get talking about mental health.

In this session, editor of Workplace Wellbeing Professional Joanne Swann is joined by accredited psychologist Dr Ute Liersch and Psychology and Neuroscience Expert, Ruth Kudzi.

Together, they explore five prevalent mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. They unpack the intricacies of each condition, scrutinise the demographic patterns within the UK, and offer advice for employers to effectively address these challenges within the workforce.

Content Warning: this episode contains talks about Depression, PTSD and Eat dissorders. If you or someone you know is stuggling with mental health you can call the numbers below.

Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Email [email protected]

SOS Silence of Suicide – for everyone
Call 0300 1020 505 – 4pm to midnight every day
Email [email protected]

Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for everyone 24/7

Guest 1: Dr Ute Liersch, an accredited psychologist at the independent wellness clinic, The Soke

Dr. Ute Liersch is an HCPC Accredited Practitioner Psychologist and a BPS Chartered Counselling Psychologist, specialising in anxiety, ADHD, burnout, grief, trauma, and complex psychopathology. An expert in treating victims of narcissism, she also provides High Performance and Executive Coaching. Her professional background includes roles at the Hospice of St Francis, The Priory, NHS, and as an associate lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London. Ute is skilled in EMDR, ACT, Exposure Therapy, Autogenic Training, and Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy.

Questions

1. Anxiety: Could you share some insights on the demographics most affected by anxiety disorders in the UK? What are some common causes, and how does anxiety typically influence daily living and personal relationships?
2. Depression: What are the recent statistics on the prevalence of depression across different age groups in the UK? Can you explore potential triggers and discuss how depression impacts one's lifestyle and interactions with others?
3. PTSD: Who are the most likely individuals to develop PTSD in the UK, and what are common triggers for this condition? How does PTSD affect a person's social interactions and their ability to engage in daily activities?
4. OCD: What can you tell us about the onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the demographics most commonly affected by it? How does OCD impact personal behaviours and the ability to manage day-to-day tasks?"
5. Eating Disorders: Can you provide an overview of the prevalence and demographic distribution of eating disorders in the UK? What are some contributing factors to these conditions, and what challenges do they pose to personal health and social life?

Guest 2 – Ruth Kudzi – Psychology and Neuroscience Expert. Founder of Optimus Coach Academy

Ruth Kudzi is a Psychology and Neuroscience Expert and Master Coach, who is passionate about sharing the science behind brain function. She is the author of the global best-selling book 'How to Feel Better' and the Founder of Optimus Coach Academy, an institution specialising in evidence-based coaching approaches. Ruth holds a master’s degree in

psychology and education, and a BA in Psychology and Management. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and spiral energy.

Questions

1. Anxiety: What are some effective strategies that leaders can implement to support employees who may be experiencing anxiety? How can workplace policies be adapted to better accommodate and assist these individuals?
2. Depression: In cases where a leader suspects an employee might be suffering from depression, what are the most sensitive and constructive approaches to offering support? What role can workplace culture play in aiding recovery and maintaining mental wellness
3. PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can significantly impact an employee's performance and well-being. What specific measures can leaders take to create a supportive environment that acknowledges and accommodates the needs of employees with PTSD?
4. OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can present unique challenges in a work setting. What are some practical steps leaders can take to understand and support employees dealing with OCD, ensuring they can thrive in their roles?
5. Eating Disorders: Eating disorders often require sensitive handling due to their complex nature. What can leaders do to support employees struggling with these conditions, and how can they promote a culture of health and body positivity in the workplace?

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About Mind, Body, Work

Mind, Body, Work is a podcast produced by the UK HR website workplacewellbeing.pro a website dedicated to the wellbeing and health of working professionals.

Workplace Wellbeing Pro provides daily news items with analysis looking in-depth at topics such as financial wellbeing, mental health and stress.

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