A few weeks ago, I received a text reminder from my GP about a routine test.
Initially, I felt confident and thought I might not need it, but I decided to book because it’s part of my routine and the responsible choice.
In the same light, as part of my coaching of business owners and executives, I asked a C-suite executive when he last had a conversation about his mental well-being, and he was uncomfortable, saying there was nothing wrong with him.
A mental health check-in or conversation is not about diagnosing a problem; it is about assessing your current state, identifying stressors, noticing what is working well, and gently course correcting. It is about asking, “How am I, really?” and listening for the honest answer.
It does not need to be time-consuming or clinical. It can be as simple as setting aside a few moments a week to reflect and journal, or time to talk with a trusted friend or coach.
One of the greatest obstacles to routine mental well-being check-ins is the lingering stigma.
People fear that paying attention to mental well-being will be seen as a weakness or that it is only for those who are struggling.
But consider this: no one thinks twice about a colleague who schedules their car’s MOT or attends a yearly physical. These are signs of responsibility and foresight. Why not your mental well-being?
Just as a car with hidden rust or worn tyres will eventually lose traction, so too do we risk losing our edge if we ignore the subtle signals of our minds.
By normalizing mental health check-ins, we shift the narrative from crisis response to positive prevention.
We demonstrate self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to high performance.
Mental health check-ins are not just for individuals; organizations that encourage regular wellbeing reviews foster a culture of trust, performance, and adaptability.
Research shows that employees who feel psychologically supported take fewer sick days, perform better, and bring more creativity to their roles.
Many forward-thinking companies include well-being check-ins as part of performance reviews or team meetings.
Your mental health matters, not just when there’s a crisis, but all the time.
Good mental health means we can feel safe, secure, realize our full potential, and thrive in our everyday life.
I am always available for a conversation.