Hosted by Pete Clark, Clinical Services Director at Mind Right, the session was packed with practical advice and honest insights drawn from over 20 years of experience in psychological care. Whether you’re a manager, a colleague, or just trying to be there for a friend, here are the key takeaways to help you support others - and protect your own wellbeing along the way.
1. Mental health isn’t binary - it's a spectrum
One of the most important reminders was that none of us are either "well" or "unwell" all the time. Our mental health sits on a spectrum, and we move up and down that scale depending on what’s going on in our lives. Recognising this helps us normalise conversations and provide more meaningful support.
2. Start with a conversation
We can all make a difference by checking in with our colleagues, friends and loved ones. It can be as simple as saying, “You seem a bit different lately. How are you doing?” The aim is not to fix things immediately, but to create space for someone to be seen and heard.
3. Watch your language
Using inclusive, non-medicalised language is key. Rather than labelling someone’s experience, talk about how they’re feeling and what you’ve observed. It helps to avoid assumptions and encourages openness.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of empathy
True empathy builds trust, but it only works when it’s authentic. If you’ve experienced something similar, it’s OK to say so—but if not, sympathy can still go a long way. A simple “That sounds really difficult. I’m here for you,” can make all the difference.
5. Support, but set boundaries
Supporting others can be emotionally taxing. Pete was clear: we need to protect our own mental health too. That means recognising our limits, being honest about them, and remembering we don’t have to be a therapist—we just need to be human.
6. Difficult conversations are worth having
If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Naming discomfort - “This is a tough conversation, but I care about you” - creates safety and allows both people to navigate it with more understanding and less fear.
7. Small habits build resilience
We ended on a simple but powerful note: take care of the basics. Fresh air, movement, good food, enough sleep - these are the daily actions that support our ability to help others without draining ourselves.
Continuing the conversation
At Healix Health, we’re proud to partner with organisations like Mind Right to offer clinically led mental health support through our corporate healthcare trusts. Early intervention, fast access to care, and personalised support plans are central to the way we look after our members’ mental wellbeing.
Mind Right is included in all Healix Fix and Flex Healthcare Trusts, offering a scalable, clinically led approach to mental health care that works for businesses of all sizes.
It’s also part of Healix ConneX, our app-based solution designed specifically for SMEs that want a smarter, more accessible employee healthcare offering.
