Coping with Job Loss-Related Depression: Signs, Support & Solutions

Coping with Job Loss-Related Depression: Signs, Support & Solutions

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."

The psychological impact of losing a job is frequently underestimated. Redundancy or Job loss can trigger emotional reactions similar to grief, often leading to situational depression. From a clinical perspective, unemployment is not only a socioeconomic issue, it is a mental health risk factor. Numerous studies show that job loss significantly increases the risk of developing depressive symptoms, particularly among individuals with limited coping mechanisms or support systems.

Clinical Symptoms of Layoff-Related Depression

As a psychiatrist, I look for specific diagnostic patterns when assessing patients experiencing stress due to job loss. 

Common signs include:

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

  • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities

  • Significant changes in weight or appetite

  • Sleep disturbances either insomnia or hypersomnia

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

  • Impaired concentration or decision-making ability

  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

When such symptoms persist for more than two weeks and impair daily functioning, the condition meets the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (DSM-5).

Evidence:
A study from the Journal of Affective Disorders found increased depressive symptoms among the unemployed.

Psychological Response: Why Job Loss Triggers Depression

Unemployment affects an individual’s identity, routine, and sense of purpose. This loss of structure and meaning combined with financial stress can activate maladaptive thought patterns and elevate cortisol levels, biologically linked with depressive episodes.

Additionally, a paper published in the American Journal of Public Health concluded that unemployment significantly raises the risk of clinical depression and lowers self-rated health.

Stress After Job Loss: How It Manifests

Not all post-job-loss reactions qualify as clinical depression. Many individuals initially face adjustment disorder, which may include:

  • Emotional distress and anxiety

  • Difficulty accepting the job loss

  • Mild social withdrawal

  • Increased irritability

  • Disrupted sleep

If unmanaged, adjustment issues can progress to chronic depression or anxiety disorders.

Medical Recommendations for Recovery

From a psychiatric standpoint, managing depression after redundancy requires a multi-modal approach:

  1. Accurate Diagnosis: Ruling out medical causes (e.g., thyroid dysfunction), and confirming depression or adjustment disorder through structured interviews.

  2. Psychoeducation: Helping patients understand that their symptoms are valid psychological responses, not character flaws.

  3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): One of the most evidence-backed therapies for job-loss-related depression.

  4. Antidepressants: In moderate to severe cases, SSRIs such as sertraline or fluoxetine may be prescribed.

  5. Social Support Mobilization: Encouraging patients to reconnect with family, peer networks, and professional groups.

  6. Physical Activity: Studies have consistently shown that exercise improves mood and reduces depressive symptoms. 

Mental Health Support After Redundancy: What to Seek

Patients should be encouraged to reach out to professionals early, even before symptoms become severe. Services to consider:

  • Private psychiatric assessments (as offered at Oaktree Connect)

  • Talking therapies (CBT, interpersonal therapy)

  • Support groups for unemployed professionals

  • Mental health charities or helplines (e.g., Mind UK or Samaritans)

Conclusion

Job loss is not just a career disruption it is a psychological trauma for many. Depression following redundancy is real, diagnosable, and treatable. With early intervention, structured treatment, and community support, recovery is highly achievable.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues following job loss, professional help is available. At Oaktree Connect, we offer psychiatric assessments and evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.

  1. Paul KI, Moser K. Unemployment impairs mental health: Meta-analyses. Journal of Vocational Behaviour. 2009. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001879108000821?via%3Dihub  
  2. Gallo WT et al. The impact of involuntary job loss on mental health. American Journal of Public Health, 2006. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300327 

  3. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise and Depression.
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-and-depression-report-excerpt

  4. NIMH. Depression Basics.
    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression

  5. Choosing Therapy. Job Loss Depression: Signs, Symptoms & Ways to Cope. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/job-loss-depression/

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

How TMS Therapy Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

How TMS Therapy Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS Therapy

"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t."

For decades little progress seemed to have been made in the field of mental health treatment of depression, anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress, panic disorder. In the last few years however, the world of Psychiatry has turned a new corner as directly stimulating the brain is explored and found to be not only beneficial but also pain and side effects free.  This relatively new treatment is therefore encouraging specifically for people for whom various forms of medication and treatments have not worked. 

One of these is the non-invasive neuromodulation technique known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). It serves as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and various psychiatric conditions including all forms of anxiety. TMS or more precisely rTMS (repetitiveTMS) provides a scientifically proven treatment option even for people who have failed to respond to standard antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. 

This article will provide a guide with information about TMS practicalities, treatment procedures and established conditions for TMS applications.

What Is TMS Therapy?

The TMS therapy works by using focused magnetic fields to activate specific brain regions through stimulation of nerve cells in the superficial part of the brain. The front part of the brain called the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) stands as the primary target of TMS treatment for treatment of depression. This is because this area of the brain controls mood regulation and shows reduced activity in patients with depression. For anxiety mostly a different prescription for treatment is used on the same area on the right side of the head. The treatment uses repetitive magnetic pulses to achieve normal brain function while avoiding the typical side effects that occur with medication.

Multiple peer-reviewed clinical trials have demonstrated TMS effectiveness for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD) through a key study in Biological Psychiatry (George et al., 2010) which showed rTMS therapy produced significant improvements in depressive symptoms. Other scientific studies have shown that it works better when compared to medication and much better compared to sham treatment (studies when cases receive real rTMS and the others are given sham treatment and the treatment effects are compared).

 

TMS Therapy Guide: Step-by-Step Process

1. Clinical Assessment and Suitability Evaluation

The psychiatric evaluation process at Oaktree Connect includes a thorough assessment of every patient. The evaluation process at Oaktree Connect includes International Code of Disease (ICD) criteria assessment with a full mental health history review and evaluation of previous treatment outcomes. TMS treatment is available to patients who have clinical depression including treatment resistant depression, OCD, PTSD and specific anxiety disorders.

Evidence note: The NICE guidance (NG222) supports the use of TMS for adults with depression who have not responded to at least two antidepressant trials.

2. Target Area Identification 

The correct area for the treatment is mapped out on the head, before treatment by the practitioner. In this step the prefrontal cortex in the front of the head is localised.

3. Treatment Sessions

The patient sits comfortably during each session while a magnetic coil rests on their scalp. Two different frequencies and protocols can be used for depression. 

Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) is a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that delivers bursts of pulses at a high frequency (e.g., 50 Hz). TBS is known for its relatively short duration of application, making it more convenient than other rTMS protocols. 

Standard protocol includes 10 Hz frequency stimulation to deliver magnetic pulses for 20–40 minutes during each session. 

Both the treatments consist of 20 to 30 sessions, which may take 2-4 weeks to complete depending on whether the patient wants one session every week day or up to three sessions per day. Patients do not need any pain relief medication and stay awake during the procedure because no anaesthesia or sedation is needed.

4. Monitoring and Progress Evaluation

The medical staff tracks patients for their treatment response as well as their adverse effects. The most common side effects include mild scalp discomfort and headache, usually resolving within hours, if it occurs. The occurrence of seizures as serious adverse effects is rare at less than 1 in 10,000 sessions and even these are avoided by following established safety guidelines. 

Clinical reviews by a doctor and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Beck’s depression inventory (BDI), Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) or HAM-D rating scales are used to track symptoms objectively before the start of treatment and improvement throughout the treatment duration with regular assessments.

5. Review and Maintenance Planning

After the acute phase, the psychiatrist who prescribed the treatment sees the patient again and determines if they have achieved full recovery or have had at least partial response to this treatment. 

Patients who experience recurrent depressive episodes may require ongoing rTMS sessions for maintenance to prevent relapse. However, only 5-8 sessions of the treatment are required every few months (3-6 months), as part of the maintenance. 

Evidence for TMS in Psychiatric Treatment

  • Major Depressive Disorder: Over 50% of treatment resistant depression, TRD patients experience significant improvement; approximately two-third achieve full remission.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): FDA-approved TMS protocols (e.g., deep TMS targeting deeper structures in the brain) show significant symptom reduction.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Meta-analyses (large studies where findings from multiple independent studies are put together) report moderate-to-large effect sizes for TMS in reducing PTSD symptoms.

Why Choose Oaktree Connect for TMS?

At Oaktree, we have used this form of treatment for over 7 years, it is fair to say that we have more experience of administering rTMS than most of the other clinics in the UK. In addition we have achieved better results with rTMS than quoted from the studies above, due to our individualised care, with 72% of our patients with depression recovering from their symptoms. 

Our psychiatric team provides evidence-based personalised treatment that matches your specific personal and clinical presentation and diagnosis. The TMS treatment at Oaktree Connect is performed by trained mental health professionals who work under the guidance of a consultant psychiatrist to guarantee both clinical safety and the best possible results. 

Conclusion

The fundamental and growing understanding of the TMS process, the evidence for its effectiveness, help explain this revolutionary treatment method and its need. TMS stands as an evidence-based treatment which offers fresh possibilities as an alternative to medication to all patients, even the ones who have tried all other available options that have not worked. 

References

  1. George MS, et al. (2010). Daily left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for major depressive disorder: a sham-controlled randomized trial. Biological Psychiatry, 67(5), 507–514. PubMed

  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Depression in adults: treatment and management. NICE guideline [NG222]. NICE+7NICE+7NICE+7

  3. Rossi S, et al. (2009). Safety, ethical considerations, and application guidelines for the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in clinical practice and research. Clinical Neurophysiology, 120(12), 2008–2039. PubMed

  4. Kan RLC, et al. (2020). Transcranial magnetic stimulation for posttraumatic stress
    disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Psychiatry Research, 290, 113090. PMC

  5. Image by Steve Jurvetson on Flickr.

     

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

Cost of Living Crisis and Mental Health: Coping Strategies for UK Families

Cost of Living Crisis and Mental Health: Coping Strategies for UK Families

By Dr Meetu Singh | April 2025
cost of living crisis

"It always seems impossible until it is done."

The cost of living crisis in the UK is more than just an economic issue and has been at the top of our list of worries for the last couple of years. With the rapid change in the economical and political scene throughout the world, it is a mental health crisis in the making. The readers will most likely agree that the unprecedented rise in price of essentials like food, heating, electricity, water and housing, is more than worrying. Many families are struggling to make ends meet and others are not able to have a lifestyle that they are accustomed to. 

We already know from a vast number of research studies and our own experience that the stress of financial uncertainty can take a significant toll on mental well-being. It can even lead to mental ill health with anxiety disorders, depression which have become commoner since the economic uncertainty started as is the case with physical health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. 

We already know from numerous research studies and from our direct experience at Oaktree Connect, that the stress of financial uncertainty can take a significant toll on mental well-being. For every person reading this, it’s important to recognise that ongoing money worries don’t just affect your wallet they affect your mind and body. 

Financial strain has been closely linked with increased rates of anxiety disorders and depression, as confirmed by studies such as the Mental Health Foundation’s 2022 report on financial stress and research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. These mental health challenges are often accompanied by physical health problems too including high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity as outlined by Public Health England and the British Heart Foundation. In short, the impact of financial stress is both deep and far-reaching.

While the financial challenges are undeniable, there are practical financial and emotional management strategies that can help manage stress whilst protecting our mental health and resilience. 

Understanding the Psychological Impact

Constantly worrying about where next month’s rent will come from and how to ensure your children have nutritious meals each day is a burden that most people find difficult to endure, both in the short and long term. This financial stress can create significant strain on individuals and their relationships, leading to heightened tension within the household. As a result, conflicts may arise, and emotional distancing among family members often becomes unavoidable.

It is not surprising that losing control over one’s finances and financial skills, along with the deterioration of loving relationships, can result in self-doubt, diminished self-esteem, and provoke a variety of negative emotional and psychological reactions, potentially leading to mental health disorders. Below are some of the most common issues that have become more prevalent.

Sleep Related Problems 

The stress and thoughts of losing financial control can make it challenging to fall asleep, as the mind often spirals into repetitive thoughts and worst-case scenarios. Staying asleep throughout the night also becomes a struggle.This leads to daytime fatigue and low energy, resulting in a reduced capacity to handle everyday life. Even the smallest of challenges may seem like towering mountains when both mind and body are weary, a truth familiar to many of us who suffer from sleepless nights. 

Anxiety Disorders

The persistent feelings of fear, loss of control over finances due to flailing economy and more uncertainty has caused a high number of adults and even children presenting with generalised anxiety and panic disorders. In the UK, an estimated 4 out of 10 women and 3 out 10 men reported high levels of anxiety in 2022/23, a significant increase from 3 of 10 women and 2 of 10 men in 2012-2015.

Depression

The persistent feeling of financial helplessness, combined with the fear of job loss and struggling to meet basic needs, can significantly impact one’s mood and diminish hope for the future. Over time, the motivation to even rise from bed may wane. Consequently, this can lead to a reluctance to socialize, even with close family and friends. This would usually be the reason why people start to feel isolated and lonely. 

Repeated episodes of depression have become commoner in those who are susceptible to mood disorders.

Cost of Living Crisis in the UK A Mental Health Emergency

Practical Strategies to Cope with Economic Downturn

The first important step in being able to take action to stop these problems from occurring or worsening is to recognise and acknowledge the issues. We can then work towards managing them effectively. We are not helpless in this situation although world economics is outside of our control. The following practical strategies can help prevent the worst from happening. 

Cost of Living Crisis in the UK A Mental Health Emergency5

Create a Realistic Budget

It is always a good idea to have a clear overview of your income and expenses, but more than ever under the current circumstances. It helps you regain a sense of control over your finances. 

There are many budgeting tools or apps to track spending, for example, Emma, Hyper jar, Plum which are free to use. These are very useful in helping keep budgets in control and for one to have a visual idea of expenditure compared to income and savings. 

You may want to divide your expenses into essentials (Needs), and identify non essentials (Wants). Areas of less than useful expenses are identified and these can be cut back.

Find Creative Ways to Save

Looking for discounts, switching to cost-effective energy providers, meal planning, and shopping at discount supermarkets can ease financial pressure. Community initiatives, such as food-sharing groups and skill-swapping, can also help families stretch their resources.

Plan for the Future

While short-term survival is the immediate priority, setting long-term financial goals can create hope. Learning new skills, exploring additional income streams, or seeking career advancement opportunities can gradually improve financial stability.

Seek Financial Support

Fortunately, various government and charitable organisations offer financial advice, aid, grants, and food bank support for struggling families. Organisations such as Citizens Advice , Step Change, and Turn2Us can provide guidance on benefits, debt management, and cost-saving measures. 

As far as your mental health needs are concerned the suggestions below will prove to be useful in preventing crisis:

Open Up About Financial Worries

Talking honestly about money problems with trusted members of your family, friends, or support groups can alleviate stress and you may receive advice close to home. Seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or mental health professional can also provide clarity and reassurance.

Focus on Mental Well-being

In times of trouble, It is usual to feel that there is no time to look after your mental well being and yet this is exactly when we need to invest in looking after ourselves. Practicing mindfulness, breathing exercises, regular physical exercise, and maintaining social connections will help reduce stress levels. Plenty of mental health support services like Mind, Samaritans, and local NHS resources offer valuable support for those feeling overwhelmed, under the circumstances. Seeking help from any of these may be the next step towards feeling better.

Final Thoughts

The cost of living crisis is a harsh reality for many families in the UK and world over. Although the world economics is in no one’s control, taking proactive steps in our own behaviours, learning new skills and making informed financial decisions with our money is a step in the right direction. A compassionate attitude towards our own wellbeing can help lessen the mental and emotional toll financial worries can take. An important thing is to recognise when worries start to creep in and seek support and help earlier rather than later. Prioritising mental well-being is not a sign of weakness. Remember, you’re not alone—help is available, and small changes can lead to better days ahead.

References:

Mental Health Foundation (2022)“Mental health and the cost-of-living crisis”
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/cost-living-mental-health

British Journal of Psychiatry (2020) – Jenkins R, Bebbington P, et al.
“Debt, income and mental disorder in the general population.”
https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.085977

Public Health England (2017)“Health matters: reducing health inequalities in mental illness”
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-reducing-health-inequalities-in-mental-illness

British Heart Foundation (2021)“Stress and heart disease: the hidden link

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/stress

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Mental Health Challenges Among Young Men in the UK

Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Mental Health Challenges Among Young Men in the UK

By Dr Meetu Singh | March 2025

"You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you."

Mental health is a critical issue for young men in the UK and the world, yet it remains one of the most under-discussed topics in society. Traditional gender norms often discourage men from expressing vulnerability, leading many to suffer in silence. The reality is stark, suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, more common than heart disease and cancer and.  Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are increasingly prevalent. Breaking the stigma around men’s mental health is essential to ensuring young men receive the support they need.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis Among Young Men
Despite increasing awareness of mental health issues, young men still face significant barriers to seeking help. Societal expectations around masculinity typically dictate that men should be ‘tough’ and self-reliant, making it harder for them to open up about emotional struggles. Common mental health challenges affecting young men include:

 

Depression and Anxiety: Many of us will know young men experience overwhelmed by ing stress due to ever rising academic pressures, career uncertainty, and financial struggles, especially in this age of economic uncertainty in the UK.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): The ever present social media and unrealistic beauty and appearance standards contribute to body image issues in men too unlike the popular belief that this is the case with women only, with many young men feeling inadequate about their physique and general appearance.

Substance Abuse: This age old problem of self medicating and Some turning to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism instead of seeking help and treatment, further which can worsens mental health symptoms. We know that alcohol is a depressant and so are many other illicit drugs freely available to young people. 

Suicidal Thoughts: The reluctance to seek help often leads to extreme distress, with men being three times more likely than women to die by suicide in the UK.  This figure is particularly alarming and food for some serious thought.

 

The Importance of Open Conversations

Encouraging young men to speak openly about their mental health and raising awareness and knowledge about mental fitness along with physical one, is a crucial step in breaking the stigma. Normalisation of the topic of mental health, the way we are comfortable with talking about physical health is crucial. Mental health professionals ought to be perceived as people who assist with health and not stigmatised either. Families, friends, workplaces, and educational institutions all play a role in fostering a supportive environment. This would mean that we all have a role to play, by having open conversations which can help in different ways. It normalises discussions about mental health, hence encourages early intervention, so the problems can be ‘nipped in the bud’, rather than progressing to alarming levels. It reduces the feeling of being isolated or different, encouraging people to seek care. This will all result in promoting healthier coping mechanisms and not hiding or ‘putting up a strong face’ for the sake of others. 

Support Systems That Make a Difference

More recently there has been more readiness in the society in general and men to talk about mental health which they consider their vulnerabilities. Government and non-profit organisations are being established to help raise awareness and reduce stigma. Additionally, there are actions men can take that may be steps towards recovery and relief. 

 

1. Encouraging Peer Support: Build and maintain friendships

Building strong and close friendships where young men feel comfortable discussing their struggles can be life-changing. Male-focused support groups and online communities can provide safe spaces to share experiences.

 

2. Accessing Professional Help: Government and Non- Government Groups 

Therapy, counselling, and mental health hotlines are valuable resources. Charities such as CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and one such charity specifically to support men and prevent suicide is https://andysmanclub.co.uk/. November work to provide tailored support for men’s mental health. 

 

3. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Mental Wellbeing and Physical Fitness

There is substantial evidence that exercise, balanced proper nutrition, and mindfulness techniques can significantly improve mental well-being. Encouraging young Men like everyone else are encouraged to engage in some form of physical activity, whether it is walking, jogging, sports, gym workouts. Meditation can help putting things in context and make the person calmer and channel anxiety stress in positive ways.

 

4. Challenging Toxic Masculinity

Unfortunately, there has been a recent surge in toxic masculinity with a rise in the social media concept of ‘alpha males’. This concept is based on the false theory that any form of mental health issue is a sign of weakness and ‘real men‘ stay strong regardless of the circumstances. 

 

This form of thinking has to be strongly challenged. Changing societal perceptions of masculinity will can make it easier for young men to express their emotions as this may be the main deterrent for men to find help even when they desperately need to. We as a society have to find a way to encourage education that enhances emotional expression of vulnerability, hence emotional intelligence in boys from a young age. This will help shift harmful concepts and age old faulty norms. Boys ought to be made to feel that it is alright to cry and express themselves when they feel sad and vulnerable.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The stigma surrounding men’s mental health has long-lasting consequences, in recent times there has been a rise of concepts of toxic masculinity. But it is within our power to change this and challenge harmful concepts through our behaviours, conversations and support. Each one of us can do this by fostering open discussions, providing accessible support to our loved ones, and work on reshaping societal expectations. We can create an environment where young men feel empowered to seek help when feeling sad or anxious or stressed without worrying about being negatively judged. No one should have to suffer in silence, mental health is relevant for everyone, and breaking the stigma starts with all of us.

 

 

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

Mental Health Issues Among UK University Students: Are Universities Doing Enough?

Mental Health Issues Among UK University Students: Are Universities Doing Enough?

By Dr Meetu Singh | January 2025
mental health issues of students

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

According to recent studies, mental health issues are becoming increasingly common among university students in the UK. In a survey conducted by charity Humen, almost 50% of the 7,200 students surveyed reported that mental health difficulties had a negative impact on their university experience. There has been a staggering 450% increase in students declaring existing mental health issues during the university application process (UCAS, 2021). This is a worrying trend, as mental health problems can have serious consequences for students, ranging from poor academic performance to self-harm and suicide.

Becoming a student can be a stressful experience, with many students having to adjust to a new environment, manage their finances, and cope with the demands of academic work. While stress itself is not a mental health problem, it can lead to mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the mental health challenges. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance misuse and suicide risk were increased after the first cycle of lockdown in the UK. 

Given the high prevalence of these disabling issues, It is important for universities to take proactive steps to support their students’ with their mental health. And should be well equipped to recognise the impact that stress can have on students, to then be able to provide support and resources to help them manage their stress levels and maintain good mental health. This may involve providing access to mental health services, promoting mental health awareness and education, and creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment. By prioritizing the mental health of their students, universities can help to ensure that students are able to achieve their full potential and have a positive university experience.

 

Common Mental Health Disorders Among University Students

University students in the UK often experience various mental health disorders that can affect their academic performance and overall well-being. Here are some of the most common mental health disorders among university students:

Depression

According to a survey by the mental health charity Student Minds, depression was the most commonly reported issue in this group.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are reported by a third of the respondents in the Student Minds survey reporting anxiety.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are reported by almost 20% of students

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug abuse, is a significant problem in this group. According to the Insight Network survey, almost 30% of students reported engaging in binge drinking, and 13% reported using illegal drugs

ADHD

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues

Students face a range of challenges, some of the most common factors contributing include academic pressure, social challenges, and financial stress.

Academic Pressure

The pressure to excel academically can come from a variety of sources, including professors, peers, and family members. Students may feel like they need to maintain a certain specific grades in order to succeed in their chosen field.

Social Challenges

Social challenges like transition to university life, especially for students who leave home for the first time, some may struggle to make new friends, feeling isolated or homesick, or experience of a culture shock.

Financial Stress

University students are very likely to experience financial stress, which can impact their mental health in a variety of ways. They may struggle to pay for tuition, housing, and other expenses, and may feel pressure to work long hours or take on debt to make ends meet.

Impact of Mental Health Issues on Academic Performance

In a study on selection and academic performance, researchers found that mental health problems in early childhood and adolescence increase the risk of poor academic performance [1]. This highlights the need for awareness and treatment to provide fair opportunities for education.

The link between academic pressure and mental health problems has been well documented. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reviewed 52 studies involving students who attended either primary school, secondary school, or sixth-form college across the globe between 1991 and 2022. In 48 of the studies, there was a positive association between academic pressure or proximity to exams and mental health issues [2].

Mental health issues can also result in students missing classes and deadlines, which can further impact their academic performance. It is important for universities to provide support and resources to help students manage their mental health and academic workload. This can include counselling services, mental health resources, and academic accommodations.

Policy and Legislation Surrounding Mental Health in UK Universities

UK universities have a legal responsibility to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of their students. In recent years, the UK government has recognized the importance of promoting mental health in universities and has introduced several policies and guidelines to help universities meet their duty of care.

For students grappling with mental health disorders, duty of care becomes even more critical. They require robust support systems that listen without judgment and offer help when needed. A comprehensive and compassionate approach is essential in fostering a thriving campus community.

So, what exactly is ‘duty of care’? It’s a responsibility that businesses and institutions have towards their employees, customers, and clients ensuring their safety and well-being. Translating this concept to universities means safeguarding students’ welfare. A legal duty of care would make universities accountable for creating a safe and nurturing environment, complete with counselling and tailored wellness programs.

However, navigating duty of care is no easy task, particularly when balancing patient rights to privacy and confidentiality. Just like all individuals, students cherish their privacy, especially when seeking assistance for mental health concerns. Universities must skilfully navigate this fine line, ensuring students’ well-being while respecting their boundaries.

Transparency is the cornerstone of managing this complex issue. When students face significant challenges, communication with parents or guardians must be clear and thoughtful, obtaining the student’s consent whenever possible. Striking this balance between care and privacy is essential in providing responsible and effective support.

Real-life experiences can highlight the impact of a legal duty of care for students. Take for instance, the heart-wrenching story of Phoebe Grime, a young student who struggled with mental health issues. Her mother, Hilary, expressed concerns to the university, but the response fell short, leading to a tragic outcome. Instances like this underscore the need for comprehensive duty of care in universities, holding them accountable for their students’ mental well-being.

One such policy is the Stepchange framework, which aims to promote a whole-university approach to mental health. This framework encourages universities to make mental health a strategic priority and to adopt a whole-university approach that involves all staff and students. The framework also provides guidance on how universities can support students who are experiencing mental health issues, including providing access to counselling and mental health services.

Another important policy is the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, which includes provisions for promoting student wellbeing and mental health. This act requires universities to have a mental health and wellbeing strategy in place and to report on their progress in implementing this strategy.

In addition to these policies, there are several laws that apply to universities and their duty of care towards students. The Equality Act 2010, for example, requires universities to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that students with mental health conditions are not disadvantaged. Universities also have a duty of care under common law to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to their students.

In Conclusion, University can be a time of great excitement and new experiences, but also a time of change, academic, financial and social pressure. Given the current social and economic environment mental disorders among university students are a growing concern in the UK. The consequences of mental health issues for students range from poor academic performance and dropping out of university, to self-harm and suicide.

Universities are multifaceted institutions facing various challenges, but this must not deter us from advocating for student well-being. A legal duty of care would set a benchmark for excellence, ensuring that universities prioritise mental health support and continually improve their services.

If you, or anyone that you know, is struggling with their mental health please reach out to Oaktree Connect and get the help and support that you need.

References

UCAS (2021) 450% increase in student mental health declarations over last decade but progress still needed to address declarations stigma, UCAS. Available at: https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/450-increase-student-mental-health-declarations-over-last-decade-progress-still-needed-address (Accessed: 04 August 2023).

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

Cutting Edge Treatments for Fighting Depression

Cutting Edge Treatments for Fighting Depression

By Dr Meetu Singh | January 2025
depression treatment

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

For 8% of adults and 15% of youth, depression is more than a passing phase. It’s an ongoing condition that interferes with the ability to complete various tasks. It causes substantial disruption in personal and work life, as many of the readers will identify with. Depression can also lead to physical conditions like heart disease, digestive issues, and chronic pain.

The treatments for depression have stayed unchanged with only a few new antidepressants medicines approved by the authorities in the last 20 years, little improvement in side effects or how quickly the treatment can start to work.

The exciting news is that now new research and development has providedl brand new ways to treat depression, even when the traditional means of treatment proved unhelpful. There is also evidence that these novel treatments added significantly efficacy and the swiftness with which they work is superior to antidepressant drugs. Some of them are even less likely to cause side effects. It is fair to say that the treatment for depression is finally entering a modern era.

What are Cutting Edge Treatments for the Treatment of Depression?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Simulation (rTMS)?

rTMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to minimise depression. It is a non-invasive procedure approved by National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in USA, for patients who unsuccessfully tried other treatment methods, in the past. It may also be used to treat OCD, anxiety, migraines, chronic pain, and tinnitus.

During an rTMS therapy for depression session, an electromagnetic coil is placed on the scalp, stimulating nerve cells in the region of the brain that controls mood. It may activate areas of the brain that experience reduced activity due to depression.

Unlike other treatments, rTMS does not produce serious side effects. Patients may experience slight discomfort or pain, but these symptoms should dissipate within a day. The treatment may be permanent for some, but others may have to return for additional treatments every few months if symptoms return.

A 2024 NCBI report shows two-thirds of patients treated with rTMS experience remission or at least a 50% reduction in symptoms. Combined with brain imaging, remission (relief from depressive symptoms) rates have nearly reached 80% in various clinical trials.

Psychedelic Drugs

Many will find the mention of this treatment here surprising but following research of controlled and clinical use of these substances has been found to be an excellent option. Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and MDMA (ecstasy) when used as prescribed by medical professionals, have shown potential to relieve treatment-resistant depression (depression that has not responded to at least 3 other treatment regimes).

Experts believe that these drugs encourage the growth of new connections between neurons in the brain, promoting plasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change itself and grow, this can help reduce depressive symptoms significantly and over longer periods. It can also be useful in recovery from other mental conditions.

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) made a significant decision in February 2023 regarding the classification of psilocybin and MDMA. The TGA, which functions similarly to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) and the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced that these substances would be moved to schedule 8. This reclassification allows approved psychiatrists to use these substances for patients who have not responded to at least two other treatment methods.*

It is fair to say that psychedelic drug approach has proven successful. One of the most extensive clinical studies revealed that 71% of patients experienced a significant reduction in symptoms within four weeks after a single dose of the drug Psylocybin in patients with major clinical depression. 54% of participants experienced substantial length of remission within the same time frame. These are findings that are quite encouraging and may pave a completely new way of treating depression by the professionals.

However, although psychedelic drugs may be beneficial, they have certain drawbacks. They can produce negative psychedelic experiences even at smaller doses for a minority of the patients. It is clear that their administration has to be closely supervised by professionals in a clinical environment. In the UK a handful of clinics are licensed to provide this treatment currently.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in specific regions of the brain. The electrodes produce electrical impulses that affect brain cells and chemicals. A pacemaker-like device implanted in the chest with wires connecting to the brain’s electrodes controls stimulation levels.

The treatment may help treat Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, OCD, depression, Huntington’s disease, dementia, anxiety, and other medical conditions.

DBS has been shown to produce an average of 60% response rates in chronically and severely depressed patients. However, the rate of symptom reduction varies greatly. The procedure is also invasive and may lead to complications and side effects. It is therefore used sparingly and more as a ‘last resort’ treatment for life-threatening treatment resistant depression.

Depression Treatment Comparative Table

Review this comparison chart for an overview of the depression treatments included in this article. 

Condition

Side Effects

Success Rates

rTMS

Local scalp discomfort and pain, headache, twitching, tingling, spasms, lightheadedness

66% to 80% success rates with patients achieving temporary to complete remission

Psychedelic Drugs

It may put the patient at risk due to the psychological effects immediately following administration;

It may also cause temporary side effects like headache, digestive issues, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure

71% success rates with patients achieving temporary to complete remission

Deep Brain Stimulation

Surgery complications and side effects, including tingling, numbness, muscle tightness, trouble with speech and balance, lightheadedness, mood changes, and vision changes

60% success rates with varying reduction of symptoms.

Oak Tree Connect Offers Successful rTMS Treatment.

Oak Tree Connect offers comprehensive rTMS treatments in our Birmingham, UK facility. We have treated 125 patients with an 86% remission rate. Our dedicated team of highly experienced professionals will develop a customized plan suited to your needs. 

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). MDMA and Psilocybin Hub. Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government, 2023 (https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/mdma-and-psilocybin-hub).

Contact us to learn how our unique depression treatment can improve your quality of life. 

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

Self Compassion and Preservation When In Leadership Roles

Self Compassion and Preservation When In Leadership Roles

Part Three of the 'Psychology of Leadership' Blog Series

By Dr Meetu Singh | January 2025

"You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody deserve your love and affection."

It is undeniable that compassion, considered one of the best qualities in a person, is especially commendable in a leader as they work toward the common good, with the expectation that they would care, often unattainably, for every member of the organisation. Most successful leaders therefore aspire to be kind and compassionate, praised and loyally followed if they succeed in that pursuit. Unfortunately, when it comes to being kind to themselves this aspiration is less evident. Self-compassion, for many, carries the whiff, the connotation, similar to those other words with the prefix, “self”: self-pity, self-serving, self-indulgent, self-centred, of being SELFISH.

Directing Compassion Towards Yourself

How many times have you said to a friend who comes to you for reassurance after a particularly harrowing experience or failure, “It seems hard but you will get through this given time, I’m here for you, this is not your fault, you are great, failure is part of life, I know you did your best”, etc.  it can be said with certainty that if you have friends, then not infrequently. You are kind, supportive, think of the best way to be soothing, help them to live through the hard times. 

And yet, if you were the person in that situation, your thoughts would probably be “I’m not good enough, this was a huge failure, it’s my fault/ I was lazy, I need to work harder, I failed.”, critical and even degrading of the self. Where does that compassion you had for your friend disappear? 

Unfortunately, many of us have been set this ideal of modesty, self-effacement, caring for others but harsh, self critical and degrading of ourselves.

This is especially true for women, who, research indicates, tend to have slightly lower levels of self-compassion than men, even while they tend to be more caring, empathetic, and giving toward others.

How Can You Practice Being Kinder to Yourself?

How many times have you said to a friend who comes to you for reassurance after a particularly harrowing experience or failure, “It seems hard but you will get through this given time, I’m here for you, this is not your fault, you are great, failure is part of life, I know you did your best”, etc.  it can be said with certainty that if you have friends, then not infrequently. You are kind, supportive, think of the best way to be soothing, help them to live through the hard times. 

And yet, if you were the person in that situation, your thoughts would probably be “I’m not good enough, this was a huge failure, it’s my fault/ I was lazy, I need to work harder, I failed.”, critical and even degrading of the self. Where does that compassion you had for your friend disappear? 

Unfortunately, many of us have been set this ideal of modesty, self-effacement, caring for others but harsh, self critical and degrading of ourselves.

This is especially true for women, who, research indicates, tend to have slightly lower levels of self-compassion than men, even while they tend to be more caring, empathetic, and giving toward others.

The Evidence Towards This Practice

There is now growing evidence in research that proves that self compassion makes the leaders and those in caring professions less likely to experience stress and burnout; that in general they are more motivated, energised, happy, satisfied with their career, and grateful for being able to make a difference in the world. Also, people with this attitude are more caring, giving and likely to have longer term and stable relationships.

As a leader and manager of an organisation and several teams over the years I have noted that: 

  1. It’s lonely at the top, I realised this when I was excluded from my team social media groups. From being the life and soul of a party and my company staff looking forward to evenings out with me, I turned to a manager not to be trusted, ‘from the dark side’.
  2. Buck stops at you so you end up working the hardest- The authorities, regulators, partners, customers, everyone expects you to make the right decisions at all times
  3. You are closely watched and open to abuse and criticism- By leading, you by default somehow, vouch for everyone’s mistakes and lapses or at the very least for discovering any and correcting these more swiftly than superman.
  4. All your faults and mistakes are visible to all and open to criticism.

You are for all intents and purposes, considered superhuman. This is precisely why YOU have to look after and preserve yourself.

Steps Towards Self-Compassion & Self-Preservation, For Leaders

1. Treat yourself fairly- When in trouble or in a situation where your decision has directly caused failure, advise yourself exactly how you would a friend you care about. 

This is clearly a skill that takes time to master. You need to stand away, take an objective view, weigh up the possibilities and then form advice that would be helpful in managing the current situation and avoid similar issues to occur in the future. 

2. Express Gratitude- On particularly difficult days, consider aspects that you can appreciate in yourself, what you do have, right now. You can choose to write a gratitude journal or go for gratitude walks. By focusing on your blessings you may develop a gentler inner voice and move the focus away from your shortcomings and outward to the world.

3. Enjoy Yourself- No matter how busy you are, indulge in one activity of leisure that you really enjoy, every single day.

4. Seek support- It is a lonely and hard to be a leader, so some support from a confidant or a dear, trusted friend or a coach or a therapist can not be overestimated.

5. Use your brain in its entirety- it is easy to get completely ‘obsessed’ with performance, finances, or any other operations, all activities of the ‘left brain’. Try to wake up that creative side of you that gets quickly buried with the rough and tumble of life. Try creative writing, drawing, acting, designing, gardening, cooking, anything that helps you rest that analytical and logical part and enhances the gentler aspect. You will find that It is soothing. 

6. Learn to calm those thoughts- I know the term mindfulness is thrown about extensively now but it is so because being in the present, deliberating on the here and now, is the key to self preservation. 

7. Socialise- stay close to friends and family- Isolation breeds self-absorbed ruminations, even paranoia rather than performance-enhancing behaviour Lack of time, single minded working ethic can make going out on a night out with friends hard. This is a slippery slope, so sometimes (frequently) being with friends or family may be the way forward, especially when it is impossible to be kind to yourself,

Do not be discouraged if you can not succeed in employing all of these strategies quickly or ever, it is a process of growth and we know that development is ongoing, luckily our brain and mind grow throughout life and so we will learn to be self-compassionate, if we pursue this objective.

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

Using Cinema Narrative in therapy for Children & Young People

Using Narrative from Popular Cinema in Therapy for Children & Young People

How Storytelling Can Be Used to Encourage Positive Values and Growth

By Dr Minnie Joseph | January 2025

Cinema narrative therapy uses film to help people process their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. It’s a combination of narrative therapy and cinematherapy. It is a powerful and innovative tool used by mental health professionals to help people of all ages but especially children and young people. It helps them to understand and reshape their personal stories. Therapists engage with narratives found in films, books, and even YouTube clips. The young people are then able to view their lives from a new perspective, more objectively. This often leads to healing and personal growth.

When I ask my teenage patients to see latest Will Smith film, or check out whether younger children like Kung Fu Panda, I am not striking up small talk. I’m using narrative as a clever tool in a psychiatrist’s kit that can help people unravel issues that trouble them.

For centuries traditional folk and fairy tales have been used to do the very same thing. There is scientific evidence that they have a huge positive impact on positive psychology, helps promote resilience, self realisation, personal growth and meaning in life.

I have therefore explained the various ways in which films can be used in a productive way below: 

The Role of Stories in Therapy

Scientific research and evidence supports the media’s ability to promote resilience, self-realisation, personal growth and meaning in life. Stories offer a structured way to comprehend complex emotions and experiences, allowing individuals to see themselves and their situations more clearly in an objective way.

Understanding Through Stories

Narrative therapy operates on the principle that people understand the world around them—including themselves—better when they can contextualise it within a story. For children, nursery tales and Disney films often illustrate the triumph of virtues like honesty, loyalty, and courage over adversity. These narratives help young minds to grasp the workings of the wider world beyond their immediate family. This offers hope, courage and joy to these young people.

Addressing Distorted Personal Narratives

Children and adolescents who experience distress often develop distorted personal narratives. For instance, a child bullied at school might rewrite her story to view herself solely through the lens of victimhood. Narrative therapy aims to disentangle the individual from their problem, helping them to recognise and celebrate their unique qualities.

Through therapy, I separate the person from the problem. A teenage with a diagnosis of anorexia is just that, a teenager first, then someone with an eating order. This is the problem to tackle; it is separate from the unique and wonderful things that make her who she is.

Using familiar stories, therapists can quickly build rapport with young patients. Films and popular media often speak a language that resonates more with this age group than traditional psychological jargon.

Films as Therapeutic Tools

Incorporating films into therapy can be incredibly effective. Many movies depict characters undergoing transformative journeys that mirror the goals of narrative therapy. For example, in Kung Fu Panda, Po learns to embrace the present and appreciate his unique identity as a panda with a goose as a loving father. Similarly, Collateral Beauty features a father who, after the tragic loss of his child, learns to reframe his narrative to rediscover the beauty in life. It is only when he is able to embrace a fresh story, that respects but contains the past, that the can re-find the ‘beauty’ of life. 

Crafting Your Own Narrative

Ultimately, narrative therapy empowers individuals to become the storytellers of their own lives. By re-telling their stories in a way that centers their strengths and aspirations, rather than their problems, people can foster a sense of agency and purpose. How might you reframe your story to place yourself—not your challenges—at the heart of your narrative? Reflect on your qualities, experiences, and dreams to craft a story that truly represents who you are.

Therapy using narrative takes hold of the idea that we understand things in life – ourselves included – more easily when we wrap them around a story. So younger children can learn about how the world outside their family works from nursery tales.

You are the teller of your own story. How could you re-tell it to keep you, not any problems you are facing right now, at the centre?

Author: Dr Minnie Joseph
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Using Emotional Intelligence & Psychology to Succeed As a Leader

How You Can Use Emotional Intelligence & Learn Psychology to Succeed As a Leader

Part Two of the 'Psychology of Leadership' Blog Series

By Dr Meetu Singh | January 2025

Simply put, Emotional intelligence or EI is the awareness of, the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, and those of the people around us. A person with emotional intelligence would be someone who is understanding, empathic, interprets emotional signals and can manage these. This is an essential for leaders, to achieve success. After all, why would anyone want to follow someone who does not know their own self, fails to recognise their own or their colleague or supervisee’s feelings. It is therefore vital for the organisational and individual’s own growth.

Definitions of Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman: In his definition this American psychologist listed the key features of EI, Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, Social skills.

The four-branch model by Mayer and Salovey characterises emotional intelligence as a set of four related abilities: perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions. This provides a useful framework to study differences in abilities of individuals in processing information  about emotions. According to them the term emotional intelligence means an intelligence having to do with emotions, understanding these in self and others and being able to express these. They state that EI is just one of hundreds of parts of our personality. However, this maybe a very limited view of this phenomenon. It is an overview of and understanding of emotional reaction in self and others around us. The definition provided by Daniel Goleman therefore seems more appropriate and wholesome.

The world is full of challenges, difficult targets to meet, “left brain” work with hard facts and numbers, it is therefore understandable that more emphasis is placed on IQ. The ‘softer right brain’ skills however are ignored and neglected. At school, formal education mostly concerns itself with ‘hard skills’ with aspects of the soft skills left for the individuals to explore and develop by themselves. As a direct result, most people around us would not even realise that there was this huge gap in their skill set. Such a high IQ leader with low EQ would then be unaware of how members of the team feel uncared for, if that is the case.

A leader’s role is to be highly motivated at all times, consistent, learning and developing skills constantly, provide strength, discipline and stability to a whole organisation. This is a big ask (almost impossible) but through self-awareness and self-compassion they can aspire for it. For if you know yourself, your limits and emotional triggers, and are accepting of these, the first hurdle is crossed. (Know yourself, read my article: Paths to Self-Awareness)

How Can You Implement Emotional Intelligence In Your Practices?

Rather than suppressing these limitations and weaknesses or seeing emotions as limitations which unfortunately many leaders would instinctively do, the next step ought to be for a good leader is to develop strategies to manage the limitations and channel the emotions. Self-compassion is self preservation, without this as a leader you would burn out, sooner or later. (Read: Self Compassion and Preservation). Easier said than done, I hear you say. Many of the readers who are leaders would agree that looking after self, needs tremendous discipline, as similar to mothers, leaders put their own needs below that of the organisation. This is an error that many would regret. 

Following the original description and definitions of EI in the 1990s a large number of psychometric tools designed to measure it were invented and developed. Currently, there are more than 30 scales and measures being used widely. It seems like some have been adopted readily as valid tests by those adept in this field; the non-psychologists of the world find the choice of tests complex with  overlapping and confusing terminology. 

The picture is further complicated by the fact the EI has been further classified into Ability EI and Trait EI, the former are measures which use questions/ items comparable to those found in IQ tests, trait EI scales use self-report items to measure overall EI and its sub dimensions. We then have the mixed EI that refers to questionnaires that measure a combination of traits, social skills and competencies that overlap with other personality measures. 

for the purpose of defining the reason for the tests.

On literature search the following seem most reliable tools:

  1. Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Tests (MSCEIT), Mayer et al. 2002
  2. Self-report Emotional Intelligence Test (SREIT), Schutte et al., 1998
  3. Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue), Petrides and Furnham, 2001
  4. Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), Bar-On, 1997
  5. Emotional and Social competence Inventory (ESCI), Boyatzis and Goleman, 2007)

In summary, emotional intelligence allows you and enables:

1. Recognising emotions, strengths and weaknesses in self and others that helps with finding the right roles for each person within a team.

2. The team members can work in unison, complementing each other at work to reach a common goal, rather than everyone doing everything.

3. Reduces work related stress as people do things they are good at rather than struggling with areas where their struggles lie.

4. Subtle monitoring of the team morale, common vibe helps the leader to make the team feel that they care for them as people rather than performance machines, hence more motivation to achieve their individual performance and potential.

5. Recognising negative emotions or stress in individuals early and supporting the team members early would prevent “blowouts” or crises which can be damaging to the whole team, immediately and even in the long term, helping with avoiding conflicts altogether and when conflictual situations do occur then an emotionally intelligent leader would have the ability to arrive at a more positive outcome by being objective and unbiased.

6. Self care and compassion prevent burn out in the leader, of whom the expectations are exceedingly high.

My next article: Self-Compassion and Preservation for Leaders

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact us at contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk.

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
Telephone – 020 39277699

Oaktree Connect Fees & Pricing for Other Services

There may be additional fees payable after your assessment, for which you will receive an invoice: for example, for the costs for prescribing medication agreed between you and the psychiatrist at the time of assessment. We try our utmost to stay within the time allocated for the appointment however, you could be charged for any extra time spent in the consultation, if the meeting runs over the allocated time, or where communications with you or reviewing notes etc. exceeds what is deemed reasonable, but this is at the discretion of the clinician.

Paths to Self-Awareness – Success in Personal & Professional Life

Paths to Self-Awareness - Measuring and Acheiving Success in Personal & Professional Life

Part One of the 'Psychology of Leadership' Blog Series

By Dr Meetu Singh | January 2025

As someone who has been in a caring business and managed several teams and organisations, I have discovered that self-awareness is the most important skill one can develop. The discovery did not stop there; it is also the most challenging one to hone, especially if you are ambitious, determined, passionate, and ‘left-brained’. This is due to the fact that there happen to be various dependencies here. It requires self-discipline, emotional intelligence and resilience to recognise your weaknesses and faults and to ‘take it on the chin’. However, through some tough experiences myself, I have discovered that it is crucial to success. 

It is about gaining the knowledge of who we are: our strengths and positive aspects of our personality but equally our weaknesses, pain points, ‘triggers’, and negative reactions to people and events are important. These can assist or serve as hurdles with work, especially when managing not only ourselves but for others as well. 

Our reactions to situations and behaviours in response to external events can reflect our personality and past experiences (nature versus nurture) as much as the external event itself. In a team, every member’s behaviour, emotional reactions, and actions impact the other members’ behaviours, where motivation acts almost in a domino effect. Therefore, there is an impact on the team’s performance as a whole from that of individuals.

Self-Awareness in the Home and the Office

This is more pronounced with leaders who are role models for the team- the ‘go-to person’. A leader who demonstrates diligent work, makes an effort to be empathic but firm and disciplined themself, and has a high level of self-awareness is very likely to influence other members of the team. Hence, the team culture moves in that direction.

Positive behaviour by self is likely to be adopted by others in the team, which improves working relationships and openness balanced with restraint. 

Recognising emotional triggers is a crucial aspect of understanding self. These are any instances or events that trigger a strong emotional response in a person. Anger, deep sadness, fear or even ‘paranoia’ are a few examples. They are reflections of negative experiences in the past, like emotional trauma in childhood, current circumstances and, to some extent, personality. Some of these are instances of errors at work, authoritarian management, negative reviews, and disputes with colleagues. They can bring about rifts if looking beyond the current problem and objectivity are not achieved. The most common example could be criticism from a supervisor. This could evoke anxiety and distress in those who suffered due to hyper-critical and authoritarian attitudes taken up by the responsible adults in their household whilst growing up. 

For those who struggle with self-monitoring and reflection, the essential skill must be developed, particularly for leaders. It is difficult to face one’s weaknesses and admit failures or ‘faults’. 

So how do you achieve self-reflection and discovery?

Self-reflection through personal notes & journals has been proven to be so effective that in certain professions- health care services being one- self-reflective exercises have been formalised. They have become mandatory additions to annual professional development activities for team leaders. It forms part of the annual appraisal and performance reviews to emphasise that personal growth is virtually impossible without ’looking in the mirror’ and actively changing behaviours that hamper development and team performance.

Theoretical knowledge is miles away from the ability to apply it to personal behaviours. The significance of reflecting and putting self-observations on paper cannot be overemphasised.

Recognising the triggers following any negative event helps in understanding the facts, triggering factors, and our emotional reactions to specific situations, behaviours that ‘naturally follow’ these. This, followed by viewing the above objectively- preferably with a mentor- can help develop insight into whether our reaction to the event was proportionate and fair.

Recognition of triggers could give a good sense of ways the situation could have turned out differently if our reactions had been more rational rather than emotional. Taking away lessons from this exercise is invaluable in preventing or reducing the intensity of similar situations in the future or at least, better management of behaviour to minimise the harm. New strategies can be developed following this learning.

Seeking Feedback: Gathering, reflecting on, and applying outcomes from feedback is critical to effective leadership. Although feedback on a day-to-day basis ought to be our way of functioning, it can be forgotten and ignored if one is not careful. Some methods that are more practical to apply in daily practice are:

1. Self-observation & Appraisal- Making a note of the daily feedback from colleagues, customers, and personal contacts can help raise self-awareness.

2. SWOT- Building personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats assessments based on feedback is an excellent method that helps use one’s strengths to personal advantage, opting for roles and responsibilities that are likely to play to these.

Targeting training on specific skills considered ‘weaknesses’ may eliminate or reduce them with the right attitude and motivation.

3. Psychometric Tools- A scientific and quantitative approach to feedback that can objectively measure the individual’s mental capabilities, behavioural style and personality traits in the form of psychometric tools can be valuable to indicate an individual’s suitability for a role. Therefore, informing individuals and organisations about assigning jobs for themselves and employees can help them meet their potential and not set them up for failure by ignoring their capabilities. Some examples of reliable psychometric tests would be ILM72 for leadership styles and OPQ32, which measures an individual’s personality preferences in the workplace.

Used appropriately, they can help make the assessment measurable, reduce natural subjective bias and increase self-awareness. According to Cut-e- one of the principal psychometric assessment and talent measurement companies- 81% of companies that use psychometric tools make more reliable and less risky decisions although only 57% believed psychometrics could help predict future performance.

The example of Paul Flowers, chairman of Co-op bank is cited to illicit the latter statistic. He was hired because, apart from being a Methodist minister with little experience in banking, he performed well in psychometrics. 

The unfortunate fact is that by searching Google, thousands of ways to ‘pass psychometric tests’ appear, which can help bag a job that may be unsuitable. Trying to fool these tests and ignoring feedback they provide can be an unfortunate way to “lie to self” about one’s capabilities, strengths and weaknesses.

If used judiciously with other methods, their use can be a fruitful exercise for a manager and the organisation and beneficial to increasing a manager’s self-awareness.

5. Multisource Feedback (360-degree feedback, Surveys)- The patterns of peers’, junior, and senior colleagues’ views about one’s strengths, weaknesses, commendations, and complaints are a powerful tool for recognising things that we are ‘blind to’ or in denial about. If colleagues at various levels of experience state similar observations about working with a person, it may become more believable and less likely to be thought of as a biased opinion.

 The exercise of requesting, reflecting on, and encouraging conversation about the observations made by colleagues is not only helpful towards furthering self-awareness. It also promotes dialogue about the leader’s weaknesses when even junior colleagues can voice their opinions. This provides the opportunity for the leader to develop new skills.

Actions You Can Take

“I know all about myself so what next?” I hear you asking. Here is what you can do about these triggers, and saying that this can transform your professional and personal life is not an exaggeration. 

Plan your Responses: Journaling trigger events, responses, objective understanding, and planning new responses are invaluable skills. There is nothing like thinking up a plan with a ‘cool head’. 

If you put these down and record them over time, you will see new patterns emerging. This exercise makes self-management with compassion part of everyday work rather than a one-off rather than forgotten until the next problem occurs.

Recognising and accepting emotions is of paramount importance to then be able to manage these. For example, an individual may be aware that any criticism from their supervisor, even if constructive, is a trigger for them to feel like a failure. Prepare to distract from the situation for a short while until they feel ready to revise the issue. When the initial ‘emotional storm’ settles, devising a rational and pragmatic approach is preferable to an emotional, knee-jerk reaction that could get them into trouble.

Behavioural Techniques like slow, consistent breathing, muscle relaxation and mindfulness can come to assist when faced with situations an individual knows they would find difficult emotionally. Again, this can help remain calm in these situations, giving that time needed for the emotions to settle until the active thinking can begin.

Professional help in the form of mentoring and coaching are paramount when specific emotional triggers become an issue and start hampering the performance of oneself or the team. Therapy for resilient and consistent emotional responses displays our understanding of our issues, self-compassion and motivation to improve.

My next article: Succeed as a Leader- Use Emotional Intelligence

Are you a leader and need mentoring or coaching? We may be able to help. Contact Oaktree connect on Contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk

Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry.  Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field. 

Contact: 
Email – clinicadmin@oaktreeconnect.co.uk
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