Companies can do more for mental health - In conversation with Geoff McDonald

Geoff McDonald talks to Leena about how companies could and should be doing more to protect the mental wellbeing of their people.

Geoff McDonald was once Global VP of Human Resources with us here at Unilever. But after being diagnosed with anxiety-fuelled depression, he discovered a new purpose: ending the stigma of depression and anxiety in the workplace. He now works as a global advocate, campaigner and consultant.

Things have changed since Geoff was at Unilever. Every year we take more and more positive actions towards building a workplace that supports and nurtures mental health. I've talked before about the things we are doing at Unilever to put Mental Health at the forefront ("Why we take mental health seriously at Unilever"), including our Wellbeing app and the Unilever Employee Assistance programme which ensures all our employees are “1 Chat, 1 Call or 1 Click” from the support they need.

But there is always more to be done, which is why I was so thrilled to spend time with Geoff for a Learn With Leena session. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Geoff's tips for coping with anxiety.

Learn to identify when you think you might be heading for anxiety or depression and start to manage it early. Build certain things into your day:

Recovery. Every two hours have a break between meetings to recover. Let yourself sit quietly and recouperate.

Connection. Learn to reconnect fully with people. Make time to reconnect with nature. Don’t let your phone manage you.

Mindfulness. Feel the soles of your feet on the floor. Feel the water in the shower. Take little moments and make them mindful.

Purpose. Find your purpose and follow it!

CAN-DO attitude.

Geoff also follows a Can-do approach to mental health:

Connect. Take time for those you love.

Action. When you feel anxiety or depression creeping up, start doing the thing

Nice - just be nice to people!

Discover. Be curious

Observe Take time to simply observe.

Further reading:

• Why we take wellbeing seriously at Unilever
• Geoff's Ted Talks are well worth a watch