Podcast #122 - Mental Health: Beyond the Targets

Added 15/05/25 - 2 min read

In high-pressure industries like mortgage brokering, mental health can often take a backseat. In episode #122 of the Accord Mortgages Growth Series podcast, host Kathy Clark, Business Development Manager at Accord Mortgages, sits down with Emma Tomes, Managing Director of The Mental Health People, to delve into mental wellbeing in the workplace. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and strategies aimed at helping individuals manage stress and maintain mental wellbeing.

Emma shares her deeply personal journey into the world of mental health, sparked by a family tragedy over 14 years ago. Her story is a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for supportive environments. Together, Kathy and Emma explore the early signs of stress, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of professional life. Emma introduces the concept of a "stress container”, a tool to help manage the pressures of work and life more effectively.

The discussion also shines a light on the unique challenges faced by men when it comes to mental health. Emma emphasises the need for safe, non-judgmental spaces where men can express their emotions freely, challenging the harmful narrative that men cannot talk about their feelings. She also discusses the therapeutic approach of Internal Family Systems, which encourages individuals to acknowledge and offer compassion to their inner parts, such as perfectionism, to prevent future struggles.

The episode is rich with practical strategies for mental wellbeing. From using support tools like the Samaritans and Shout text service to simple daily habits like walking, Emma and Kathy discuss ways to incorporate mental health practices into our daily lives. They highlight the importance of self-check-ins and taking breaks, referencing research that shows the negative impact of back-to-back meetings on the brain.

Whether you're a mortgage broker, a manager, or simply interested in mental health, this episode offers invaluable guidance to help you navigate any challenge. Remember, seeking help is crucial, and no one should face their challenges alone.

Listen to more podcasts in the Growth Series here.

The Growth Series is a dedicated and FREE resource for mortgage brokers, containing blogs, guides and podcasts to help you scale and grow your business. For more hints and tips on how to grow your business, you can sign up to the Growth Series here.

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