What if I am struggling with mental health?

_{The Basics}

We all have mental health, and sometimes things feel harder than usual — whether it’s stress, anxiety, low mood, or something else. You don’t need to go through it alone. This article explains what support is available, even in a small team, and how to ask for help. 

_{What You Need to Do}

• Speak to your manager if you feel comfortable. They’ll listen and help where they can.
• If you’d prefer to speak to someone else, ask who else in the business you can talk to (e.g. the owner or a fellow colleague).
• Take time off if you need to – mental health counts as a genuine reason for sickness absence.
• If work is contributing to how you feel, let us know so we can make changes or adjustments.
• Reach out to external support – there are free, confidential helplines listed below.

_FAQs

Q: Will I get in trouble for saying I’m not okay?
A: No. Speaking up is a strength, not a weakness — and we’ll support you however we can.

Q: Can I take sick leave for mental health reasons?
A: Yes. Mental health is treated the same as physical health when it comes to time off.

Q: What if there’s no HR team or official support?
A: You can still talk to your manager, the business owner, or use one of the free resources below. 

_{Still Not Sure?}

Talk to your manager or reach out to one of these support services:

Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7)

Mind – 0300 123 3393 or text 86463

SHOUT – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (free, 24/7 crisis text service)