Good days and difficult days: Imperial staff on mental health

Imperial staff share their personal experiences of mental health and work in a new video.

I’m in a place now where I’m keen to share my story, and to show people that you don’t need to be afraid of talking about mental health problems. Neil Young

Launched during Disability History Month, the video features four members of Imperial staff discussing their experiences of living with mental health conditions.

Erin Hallett, Head of Alumni Relations at the Business School, speaks in the video about having a panic attack at work and how she manages anxiety. Reflecting on why she was keen to take part in the project, she said: “I wanted to help bring visibility to this issue. Mental health issues don’t look the same on everyone, and people like me can still succeed at their jobs.

“The biggest thing I want people to know is that it’s okay to ask for help, to say that you’re not okay. There is so much support at Imperial if you know where to get it, but people still seem reluctant to talk about mental health issues.

“I also wanted to say thank you to the College – for letting me be me, on my good days and on my bad days.”

The video also features Neil Young, Team Leader for Campus and Commercial Applications in ICT, who mentions the help he received from Confidential Care and Occupational Health. He said: “I felt slightly apprehensive at first about taking part in the video, and very anxious on the day of filming, but overall it’s been a positive experience.

“I’m in a place now where I’m keen to share my story, and to show people that you don’t need to be afraid of talking about mental health problems.

“Staff in management roles need to be more aware of how to work with and support people with mental health issues. As a manager myself, I don’t think we provide enough guidance and advice. Having these conversations can be daunting – for the person suffering, but also for the person trying to support them.

“I want other people who’ve been in my position to know that it is okay to speak up. You can still progress in your career – this is not something that has to hold you back.”

The video also features Dr Emma Bell and Becky Cameron, both based in the Department of Surgery & Cancer. Emma, who is now a Research Associate, discusses how she developed problems with depression and anxiety during her PhD. Becky, Postgraduate Education Administrator, talks about how counselling, psychotherapy and medication have helped her.