How to help your colleagues and clients struggling with their mental health

Glenn Baird

Head of Mental Health 

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resurfaced across Australia, so has the impact on mental health. Financial advisers are in a unique position, having the opportunity to support the overall health and wellbeing of their clients, as well as their colleagues. 

Below, I have shared my tips on how you can help a client or colleague struggling with a mental health condition.

Just like any other health issue, people with a mental health condition need extra support, care, and guidance. Even though you may not be able to physically see the condition, it doesn’t mean you’re powerless to help. 

1. Treat them with respect and dignity             

Strong communication is a powerful thing, and something that is entrenched in advisers’ day-to-day role. Treating your clients and colleagues living with mental health conditions with respect and dignity can go a long way towards creating healthy and respectful relationships. Being non-judgmental can help to break down any stigma or misunderstanding associated with mental health, which is crucial for long-term growth and happiness. 

The best place to start is listening. The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to listening is that you shouldn’t be listening to respond, you should be listening to understand. You do this by listening to the content, but also the feeling, i.e, what do you pick up that is not being said. 

Once you begin to understand how your colleagues or clients are feeling, you’ll be better placed to show empathy and offer them support. 

2. Ask them if it’s okay to talk about how they are feeling

There is a strong association between mental health and financial health. Whilst your clients and colleagues may be comfortable talking to you about their finances, it can take a lot of trust and courage for them to open up about their mental health.

It’s a good idea to let your colleague or client lead the discussion at their own pace, and don’t put pressure on them to talk about things they’re not ready to share. It’s also important to let them express themselves without you interrupting. Being sensitive and encouraging in your responses will help to make them feel comfortable and open up further.

3. Leverage the power of technology

When the pandemic first struck, most people had their fair share of virtual meetings and the use of technology accelerated ten-fold. For many people, the action and process of reaching out for support can be quite daunting so it’s a good idea to leverage technology to build connections. 

Engaging in conversations with a colleague or client over the phone or video call can help to foster a deeper sense of engagement and that can lead to an improvement in mental health. There is a distinct advantage of phone or video calls compared to text-based communication like emails or text messages, as it’s more personal and a convenient way to touch base without having to meet up in person – especially at a time where social distancing and lockdowns are happening across the country. 

Another way to leverage technology for the better is through the TAL Risk Academy. There are a range of courses available exploring the fundamentals of mental wellbeing, as well as practical strategies to utilise with your clients. 

4. Offer pathways of support

 Support from advisers during a time of need is highly valued and can play a significant role in the recovery process of someone experiencing mental health issues. 

When you are in a place where you understand what your colleague or client is experiencing, and they feel understood, it is worth having further discussions about what additional support may be useful to them. 

Empowering them to seek additional professional help is also a healthy step forward. This could be offering to make an appointment with a GP or mental health specialist. Your colleague or client won’t want to feel that you are taking control, so don’t forget to work with them on the best solution rather than doing what you think is best. 

5. Follow through and follow up

Providing ongoing emotional support and a continuity of care can increase the likelihood of recovery from a mental health condition. Knowing you are always there to support is crucial in helping with recovery. 

Admitting that support is needed can be one of the hardest steps for a person with a mental health condition, so if you do offer support, it is important to follow through with whatever action you have stated you would do. Once this is done, ask them directly, “do you mind if I check in with you again in a few days?”. This way, you are not applying immediate pressure for them to take action, and you can keep the dialogue open so they understand they are not tackling their challenges alone. 

Supporting someone who experiences a mental health condition isn’t easy and it can affect your own mental health and wellbeing. It’s important to also look after yourself during this process, so you can continue to enjoy your work and service your clients to the best of your ability. 

If you or a loved one need mental wellbeing support, reach out to Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/.