In our own words: Mental health for all
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (10–16 May 2021) is Nature, an apt choice given how the COVID-19 pandemic has forced so much of our lives back into the open air.
Since the first lockdown in March 2020, we’ve turned to walks in the park for socialisation, exercising outside to leave the confines of our living and workspaces, and many of us have spent a lot more time with our pets. But this theme also allows us to consider our environment more broadly and the impact this has had on our mental wellbeing, particularly in relation to the lockdowns and widespread health anxiety triggered by the pandemic.
With a large proportion of Imperial staff working from home, and many having not seen colleagues in person for more than a year, perhaps even the most introverted of us are starting to feel the effects – whether that’s on our work, our relationships with others, or our relationship with ourself.
So, we asked Imperial staff to share what they’ve learnt about their own mental wellbeing during lockdown, what coping strategies and resources they’ve found helpful, and how we can use this information to ensure we prioritise our mental wellbeing as we look to the future.
What have you learnt about your own mental wellbeing while working from home?
What have you learnt about your own mental wellbeing while working from home?
“I've learnt that my mental resilience is not as strong as I thought it was and to push through the taboo of telling someone when I am struggling mentally. Support is all around us.”
“My mental wellbeing has vastly improved since working from home and having space and time away from other people. I am a lot happier now.” – Anonymous
“That I need to look after it!”
“As I have children, I have discovered I need some time just to myself away from family to quieten my mind. I find reading really helps.” – Rebecca, Finance Analyst in the Faculty of Engineering
“Prior to the pandemic I was a very social person, and it was hard at first to adjust to working from home. I have learned to respect the fragility of my mental health more and to enjoy my own company.”
“I have learned that despite being quite introverted, I do enjoy being in the company of other people. I have found working from home difficult at times and that I need to make a concerted effort to boost my mental wellbeing.” – Alyson, Estates Records and Archives Officer
“I surprised myself by finding working at home through the winter lockdown of 2021 really quite tough. Long days in front of the computer and fewer daylight hours took its toll and made me very tired and grumpy. I had to consciously put a smile on my face some days.”
“Freedom is a state of mind, not being allowed outside would be less frustrating if that was the result of a personal decision. Having no choice, or options, is what creates anxiety the most.” – Sara, Technology Store and Asset Analyst
“I've learnt that my mental resilience is not as strong as I thought it was and to push through the taboo of telling someone when I am struggling mentally. Support is all around us.”
“My mental wellbeing has vastly improved since working from home and having space and time away from other people. I am a lot happier now.” – Anonymous
“That I need to look after it!”
“As I have children, I have discovered I need some time just to myself away from family to quieten my mind. I find reading really helps.” – Rebecca, Finance Analyst in the Faculty of Engineering
“Prior to the pandemic I was a very social person, and it was hard at first to adjust to working from home. I have learned to respect the fragility of my mental health more and to enjoy my own company.”
“I have learned that despite being quite introverted, I do enjoy being in the company of other people. I have found working from home difficult at times and that I need to make a concerted effort to boost my mental wellbeing.” – Alyson, Estates Records and Archives Officer
“I surprised myself by finding working at home through the winter lockdown of 2021 really quite tough. Long days in front of the computer and fewer daylight hours took its toll and made me very tired and grumpy. I had to consciously put a smile on my face some days.”
“Freedom is a state of mind, not being allowed outside would be less frustrating if that was the result of a personal decision. Having no choice, or options, is what creates anxiety the most.” – Sara, Technology Store and Asset Analyst
Have you discovered any new strategies for managing your mental health?
Have you discovered any new strategies for managing your mental health?
“I have downloaded the Headspace app which is a healthy reminder to take time out for oneself. I've also got back into running and have a virtual running buddy, so we coordinate and cheer each other on.”
“I've come to appreciate good weather and the sounds of nature on walks, as well as joining in with online Zumba classes once a week and reconnecting with old friends!” – Anonymous
“Whether going for a run, cycle ride or for a long walk, time out of the house definitely helps my mental wellbeing. I find cooking new foods and baking at the weekend helps as well (especially since we can't go to restaurants).”
“Making sure I take regular breaks away from the computer at a regular time. I put a small table and chair outside my front door to have a cup of tea even though I had a garden.” – Anonymous
“Lockdown underscored the importance of my daily yoga and weekly therapy. For me, I noticed more value in these activities: skipping them because I felt I had no time or wasn't in the mood, for example, made my outlook and anxiety worse not better.”
“I do things specifically to break the link between work and home time which is essential when your home is the office and your relaxation space too. I've refound my love of playing guitar and listening to audiobooks, and my health and wellbeing has become a priority.” – Vickie, Director of Communications
“Daily walks are incredibly helpful. The most challenging period was the January to 7 March lockdown. Days were short and if I missed a lunchtime walk, then it was too dark to go after work. Since March, my step count has tripled with pre- and post-work walks.”
“I have found there is absolutely no time for any coping strategies. I have a young family, so if I'm not working, I am in charge of that. I wish I had been able to make time for creative outlets.” – Anonymous
“I’ve found online meditation very helpful. It was amazing how active my mind is and how difficult it is to switch off. The online meditation by Inner Space has been extremely helpful. They run seven days a week, 13.00 to 13.30 online.”
“I have downloaded the Headspace app which is a healthy reminder to take time out for oneself. I've also got back into running and have a virtual running buddy, so we coordinate and cheer each other on.”
“I've come to appreciate good weather and the sounds of nature on walks, as well as joining in with online Zumba classes once a week and reconnecting with old friends!” – Anonymous
“Whether going for a run, cycle ride or for a long walk, time out of the house definitely helps my mental wellbeing. I find cooking new foods and baking at the weekend helps as well (especially since we can't go to restaurants).”
“Making sure I take regular breaks away from the computer at a regular time. I put a small table and chair outside my front door to have a cup of tea even though I had a garden.” – Anonymous
“Lockdown underscored the importance of my daily yoga and weekly therapy. For me, I noticed more value in these activities: skipping them because I felt I had no time or wasn't in the mood, for example, made my outlook and anxiety worse not better.”
“I do things specifically to break the link between work and home time which is essential when your home is the office and your relaxation space too. I've refound my love of playing guitar and listening to audiobooks, and my health and wellbeing has become a priority.” – Vickie, Director of Communications
“Daily walks are incredibly helpful. The most challenging period was the January to 7 March lockdown. Days were short and if I missed a lunchtime walk, then it was too dark to go after work. Since March, my step count has tripled with pre- and post-work walks.”
“I have found there is absolutely no time for any coping strategies. I have a young family, so if I'm not working, I am in charge of that. I wish I had been able to make time for creative outlets.” – Anonymous
“I’ve found online meditation very helpful. It was amazing how active my mind is and how difficult it is to switch off. The online meditation by Inner Space has been extremely helpful. They run seven days a week, 13.00 to 13.30 online.”
How might you use this knowledge going forward, as we leave lockdown and look to the future?
How might you use this knowledge going forward, as we leave lockdown and look to the future?
“As the world reopens, I hope to take 'normal' everyday things less for granted and appreciate the simple things; a nod/smile in a corridor, holding the lift, giving someone directions to the Royal Albert Hall.”
“The first two months I was very stressed working at home, but I learnt to put things in perspective with the help of my colleagues which was a great help. As a result, I have not reacted so much and been much calmer and actually happier as a result." – Anonymous
“Carry on cooking and getting fresh air and factoring in time to myself!”
“I definitely want to continue with a better work-life balance. I cannot go back to how it was before COVID-19.” – Ingrid, AHSC Executive Assistant
“It's a reminder to always take the time to give myself TLC or to take a deep breath, and keep these things at the top of my list.”
“I hope to continue walking more and getting out into the fresh air as much as possible. I will look to walk more rather than take public transport in future even if it does take a bit longer.” – Nathalie, Finance Development Manager
“I want to keep up with the regular exercise that I have built up over this past year. I will never be super-fit and sporty but I have learned what an important part keeping active plays in my mental wellbeing.”
“This period has made me realise the importance of solitude for me. I think a mix of home and office working is the ideal for me as a parent to a young family, as there is less time spent chasing about if you don't have to travel in every day, but there’s still the opportunity to connect with work colleagues when you do go in, and also be completely lacking in responsibility for anyone else on the occasional commutes!” – Anonymous
“Maybe ask if some meetings can continue to be on Teams so that those of us not based at South Kensington do not spend time travelling to get to a short meeting. We have seen that there is a larger attendance for some meetings, i.e Forums, and surely this is to be encouraged.”
“As the world reopens, I hope to take 'normal' everyday things less for granted and appreciate the simple things; a nod/smile in a corridor, holding the lift, giving someone directions to the Royal Albert Hall.”
“The first two months I was very stressed working at home, but I learnt to put things in perspective with the help of my colleagues which was a great help. As a result, I have not reacted so much and been much calmer and actually happier as a result." – Anonymous
“Carry on cooking and getting fresh air and factoring in time to myself!”
“I definitely want to continue with a better work-life balance. I cannot go back to how it was before COVID-19.” – Ingrid, AHSC Executive Assistant
“It's a reminder to always take the time to give myself TLC or to take a deep breath, and keep these things at the top of my list.”
“I hope to continue walking more and getting out into the fresh air as much as possible. I will look to walk more rather than take public transport in future even if it does take a bit longer.” – Nathalie, Finance Development Manager
“I want to keep up with the regular exercise that I have built up over this past year. I will never be super-fit and sporty but I have learned what an important part keeping active plays in my mental wellbeing.”
“This period has made me realise the importance of solitude for me. I think a mix of home and office working is the ideal for me as a parent to a young family, as there is less time spent chasing about if you don't have to travel in every day, but there’s still the opportunity to connect with work colleagues when you do go in, and also be completely lacking in responsibility for anyone else on the occasional commutes!” – Anonymous
“Maybe ask if some meetings can continue to be on Teams so that those of us not based at South Kensington do not spend time travelling to get to a short meeting. We have seen that there is a larger attendance for some meetings, i.e Forums, and surely this is to be encouraged.”
Useful resources
Useful resources
External resources
Meditation and mindfulness
Keeping fit
FIIT app for exercise classes including yoga and stretch sessions
Heather Robertson workout programmes – YouTube
Yoga with Adriene – YouTube
Books and learning
Audible for audiobooks and podcasts
Internal resources
Live well, work well
From a calendar of all the support sessions available to staff, to activities to make the most of in your downtime, Imperial's HR team have put together a hub of WFH resources.
Check out our Live well, work well webpages
Mental Health First Aid
A Mental Health First Aider will provide you with a safe space to start a confidential conversation about your mental health and signpost you to the most appropriate support.
You can also train to become a Mental Health First Aider and support your colleagues.
This Imperial Stories piece was created as part of our
Imperial at Home campaign.
Find out more online about how the College is supporting staff
who are working from home
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