Today (Thursday 10th October 2024) is World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is Mental Health in the Workplace. To mark the day and the theme, Universal Advocacy Lead Tajinder Lyal talks about what self-help tools she uses to look after her own mental health.


Having worked in Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) for nearly 19 years, there have been lots of times when I have felt the need to find extra energy, time and motivation at work.

We all have deadlines, emergency situations, caseloads and other things happening in our personal lives. So, these are my self-help tools.

  1. Checking in with your team – taking responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of my team comes first. I always encourage the team to feel they can come to me to talk about anything on their mind.
    It can be a chat, sharing an experience of the working day or even a vent. Communication keeps me connected with my team members and allows a level of insight into their mental wellbeing.
  2. Keep going – realising we can only push ourselves so much until we crash.
  3. Strengths and limitations – reading the triggers and taking a break and do something fun and relaxing. Try walking, music, hobbies, meeting with friends and family, and meditation.
  4. Getting there together – no one is a superhero, talking to my peers and line manager.
  • Priorities – urgent ones come first and check if anything can wait.
  • Working together – having open and honest discussions with your line manager.
  • Share workloads – consider consulting a peer for support.
  • Reflection – what are the hurdles?
  • Take learning – what can be done better and how.
  • Celebrate your achievements – say to yourself, “well-done”