Mental Health Consultancy.

Breaking Stigma and Building Support on Self-Injury Awareness Day

An issue which is often misunderstood, leaving those affected feeling alone and afraid to seek help. It should also be a time for businesses to reflect on how to prioritise mental health in the workplace to combat stigma and provide vital support for employees. Here, we highlight the crucial role of mental health training in reducing the shame often associated with self-harm, fighting misconceptions and building better workplace environments.

Why Is Training So Important

The biggest impact mental health training has when it comes to self-harm is reducing stigma and shame.

Research from the Samaritans indicates that 90% of people who have self-harmed fear others will think less of them if they knew. This highlights the urgent need for workplaces to create an environment of understanding and support.

Training teaches individuals not just how to have empathy and compassion, but how to show it in a way that is received by those who need it most. This can significantly reduce the fear of judgment and stigma that many individuals struggling with self-harm experience.

What Are The Most Impactful Forms of Training in This Area

Mental Health First Aid is a prime resource in this area, designed to equip trainees to respond to self-harm incidents or concerns in a way that promotes empathy and understanding. By increasing awareness and knowledge of self-harm, mental health first aiders can help to dismantle harmful misconceptions.  

Mental health awareness training, as well as dedicated webinars or training sessions on the topic, can also be particularly helpful in building general knowledge surrounding this area. 

Self-harm is often misunderstood, and too many people focus on the act itself rather than recognising it as a coping mechanism. Instead of asking ‘why do you self-harm?’ — which can trigger feelings of shame — training encourages asking ‘what is it you’re trying to cope with?’ This subtle shift can make all the difference in opening up a meaningful conversation. 

Training The Right Individual

Managers play a pivotal role in developing a supportive workplace culture, and providing them with mental health training ensures they can respond to incidents with confidence and care.  

A lack of understanding can lead managers to say the wrong thing, or worse, say nothing at all, leaving employees feeling invalidated.  

Training other key stakeholders within the business, such as HR teams and individuals with strong relationships with a number of team members, is equally important. 

Ultimately, training empowers staff to approach relevant situations and conversations without shame, blame, or embarrassment.

The Role of Workplaces

Workplace responses to self-harm can have lasting effects on employees’ wellbeing. Without proper training, reactions may be characterised by shock or avoidance, leaving employees feeling isolated.  

If an employer or colleague doesn’t know how to respond, they may do nothing for fear of making things worse. However, that first response is critical. It can determine whether an employee has a positive or negative experience in the workplace and can shape how they view their employer.

Why Now’s The Time to Start

Businesses must take proactive steps in providing mental health training for their teams. With one in four people experiencing a mental health problem each year, ensuring workplaces are equipped to support employees is more important than ever. 

Creating a culture of mental health awareness can make all the difference, and by increasing support, businesses can play a vital role in creating the more compassionate and understanding workplaces we need. 

For more information on how Red Umbrella can support your business with mental health training needs, contact us today.

Red Umbrella - Leader Talking.

Contact Us

Do you have any further questions or queries regarding our services and the industries we work with? Reach out to the team by using our online contact form, calling 0300 002 0061, or via email at [email protected] and we’ll be more than happy to advise you.