Alex Viglione on LinkedIn: 🌟An amazing team & an essential product🌟 🪖Veteran mental health is too… (2025)

[𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 🌟] 𝐀 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐀 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠(Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, Vol 21 Issue 3, 2024)Yat Nam Ng, Suet Lin HungDepartment of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁:Background:This study assessed the potential effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of a tailored mindfulness-based intervention (MBI, REMIND 2.0) for personal recovery among people with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:In this pilot mixed methods randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to either the MBI (n = 14) or the relaxation training (RT) (n = 14). Quantitative measures were used to assess primary outcomes, including personal recovery, mindfulness, self-compassion, resilience, and secondary outcomes, including depression, stress, anxiety, positive and negative moods, quality of life and general health at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1) and one-month follow-up (T2). Quantitative interviews were conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions toward the MBI.Results:Results indicated significant group and time interactions for all outcomes except anxiety and stress. MBI participants showed significant improvements in all outcomes at T1, which were maintained at T2, except for positive mood. RT participants showed a significant decline in resilience but significant improvements in all secondary outcomes at T1, but all outcomes significantly declined at T2, except for anxiety and stress. MBI participants were receptive toward the programme in all aspects of personal recovery.Conclusions:The tailored MBI is a potentially effective, feasible and acceptable approach to facilitate personal recovery among people with mental illness. Differences between MBI and RT are discussed.https://lnkd.in/giPuwtzS⭐ 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆’𝘀 𝗢𝗔 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Learn about our OA Agreements: https://bit.ly/hkbuOA#socialwork #MentalHealthResearch #MentalHealthRecovery #COVID19Pandemic #COVID19Impact #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalWellness #SocialWorkResearch #TailoredIntervention#Wellbeing #Coaching #PersonalRecovery #ResilienceBuilding #HealthResearch #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthSupport #HealingJourney #TreatmentWorks #DataScience #KeywordAnalysis #Research #OpenAccess #Article #University#Education #HKBU #Library #SDGs #OpenAccess

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Today begins Mental Health Week in Canada, and this year's theme is Compassion.In our workplaces, where we spend most of our waking hours, it's an important ingredient because we see our colleagues go through good times and bad. Compassion means understanding and supporting each other through those tough times. Small acts of kindness, like offering a listening ear or lending a helping hand, can make a big difference. According to one study, just 40 seconds of compassion can measurably lower anxiety.So, how can we bring compassion into our workplaces?Here are some ideas:𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟• Embrace gratitude daily; not only does it shift your perspective on life, but it also fosters compassion towards others.𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬• Foster self-compassion; acknowledge mistakes as learning opportunities and forgive yourself as you grow.𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬• Leading with compassion means being purposeful in our support for our team members. Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, like 'Do you need help?' or 'Is there anything I can do?' try asking more open-ended questions like 'What can I do to be helpful to you today?' or 'What can I do to make your day a little better?' These small changes in approach can make a big difference in how we support our teams. 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬• Model compassion to your direct reports. Your actions set the tone for the entire team. By demonstrating empathy, understanding, and support, you create an environment where compassion thrives.• Hold skip-level meetings to hear firsthand how others in your department are doing. These meetings provide an opportunity to connect with team members at all levels, understand their challenges and concerns, and offer support where needed.𝐂-𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬• Acknowledge and celebrate compassion: recognize acts of kindness to foster a culture of compassion.• Connect authentically with all team members: build genuine relationships by showing interest in their work and personal lives, fostering belonging.Special thanks to CMHA for their compassion toolkit, which provided valuable insights for today's post. You can access the toolkit on CMHA's website: https://lnkd.in/gsa58qda. Let's continue to prioritize compassion in our workplaces and support each other's mental health journey.#CompassionConnects #MentalHealthWeek #CMHA #WorkplaceMentalHealth #TransformingWorkplaces #WellbeingAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing

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#mentalhealth #environmentmatters #livingwelltodayHarnessing the Power of Environment for Mental Well-being: A Key to Living WellIn today's fast-paced world, mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being. However, it’s often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. There’s a profound impact from our environment on our mental health. We can consciously choose our surroundings as a transformative step in our journey towards living well… today. The Influence of Environment on Mental HealthOur environment, both physical and social, plays a pivotal role in shaping our mental health. A cluttered, chaotic space can mirror and magnify stress, while a serene, organized environment can foster calmness and clarity. Similarly, surrounding ourselves with supportive, positive individuals can uplift our spirits, whereas toxic relationships can deplete our mental energy.Creating a Supportive Physical Environment1. Nature's Embrace: Incorporating elements of nature into our living spaces, such as plants or natural light, can significantly reduce stress and enhance mood.2. Organized Spaces, Organized Mind: I just discussed this with my guests yesterday on a show that I host each week.A well-organized and clutter-free space can promote a sense of control and reduce feelings of anxiety.3. Personalized Comfort: Personalizing our space with items that bring joy or relaxation, such as artwork or comfortable furniture, can create a sanctuary for mental rejuvenation. It’s often the simplest tools that have the greatest impact.Cultivating a Nurturing Social EnvironmentI’ve been a fan of Dan Buettner and his research and development of the “blue zones” that echoes much of what’s said here…1. Choosing Positive Relationships: Actively seeking and nurturing relationships that are supportive and understanding can provide a strong emotional buffer in challenging times.2. Community Engagement: Being part of a community, whether it's a hobby group, a sports team, or a volunteer organization, can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.3. Professional Support When Needed: Recognizing when to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling, is crucial in maintaining mental well-being.The Role of Digital EnvironmentIn the digital age, our online environments are as influential as our physical ones. Curating our digital space to include positive content and limiting exposure to negative or stressful media can have a significant impact on our mental state.The environments we choose to surround ourselves with can be powerful allies in our mental health journey. By consciously crafting both our physical and social surroundings, we can create a foundation for living well, marked by mental resilience and emotional balance. Remember, the power to shape our mental well-being often lies in the choices we make about where and with whom we spend our time.

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Let’s talk about mental health in the workplace. This week is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, with the theme #NoMindLeftBehind. Statistics tell us that every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem. This is a staggering figure, so this week I wrote to my senior leaders and asked, is anyone in your team being left behind? Are they all engaged, contributing, passionate? And if not, why not and how can we support them?The majority of us spend one third of our lives at work, so creating a positive work environment for our people is essential. It leads to better engagement, focus, productivity, job satisfaction and overall well-being outside of the workplace. Ignoring the environments we create can result in absenteeism, decreased productivity, higher turnover rates and poor mental health.This is why I am so very proud of our work at the City of London Corporation in supporting positive mental health.Internally, we have a dedicated group of #MentalHealthFirstAiders across all of our departments and Institutions, trained to provide initial support and signpost to the appropriate help should a colleague feel they need it.We have an #EmployeeAssistanceProgramme available to colleagues (and their families) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for when they need to talk or get advice on a range of issues.Our fabulous Learning & Organisational Development Team are delivering a range of events linking mental health into #LearningAtWorkWeek.Our fantastic Disability, Ability and Wellbeing Staff Network are linking in with our #ClimateChampions for a green perspective on mental health, encouraging colleagues to ‘move more for our mental health’ with options to be active, discover or observe movement to reap its benefits and improve our wellbeing and connection to the world around us.Looking outward, our excellent initiative, the City Belonging Project, is bringing people together to highlight Mental Health Issues, with a range of events and City walks. Be sure to look at their ‘Breathing Space’ Walking tours of the hidden gardens of the Square Mile which are taking place over several Tuesdays and Thursdays in May. (https://lnkd.in/evUTWaFJ)If you are struggling with your own mental health please don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, your doctor, the Samaritans or look at our dedicated web pages for mental health support in the Square Mile: https://lnkd.in/e7--p86E.How do you promote positive mental health in your organisation? 👇🏿👇🏿👇🏿

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As the pandemic fades into distant memory, the focus on wellbeing might have taken a backseat in your organisation. But, as this recent report highlights, not investing in wellbeing could be a costly mistake. Unmanageable workloads are a driving factor in stress and burnout. The human cost is poor mental wellbeing whilst the organisational cost is reduced profit. https://lnkd.in/eSYZAAgv#wellbeing #wellbeingtips

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According to the 2024 Burnout Report by Mental Health UK, 9 out of 10 adults in the UK experienced high or extreme stress in the past year. These figures highlight the need to prioritise wellbeing at work, particularly within the third sector, as a quarter cited stress, burnout, and large workloads as the primary causes of their struggles to retain staff last year. This is a reminder to prioritise your mental health and raise awareness of the mental health support available through and beyond #StressAwarenessMonth.#notforprofit #thirdsector #wellbeing #mentalhealth

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives. It is also a crucial time to spotlight the mental well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. At Emerge Education, we recognize the mounting pressures healthcare professionals face daily, from anxiety and depression to burnout and workplace harassment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights an urgent need for organizations to foster supportive environments for their staff.Understanding the pivotal role of resilience can transform healthcare systems, ensuring mentally healthy, sustainable workforces. Resilience isn't just a trait—it's a skill that can be developed through targeted strategies and support. Our Resiliency in Modern Health Care course was designed to specifically help healthcare professionals manage stress and build resilience.Here are key ways healthcare leaders can bolster resilience among their teams:👍 Encourage Peer Support: Create forums for open communication and regular check-ins to foster a sense of community.⚖️ Promote Work-life Balance: Implement flexible work hours, mental health days, and policies that respect personal time.🎓 Provide Education Opportunities: Offer workshops and online courses focused on stress management, resilience building, and self-care.Read more about Nurturing Resilience: Prioritizing Mental Health in Healthcare in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/gCGyQxyp#MentalHealthMonth #HealthcareResilience #EmergeEducation #HealthcareHeroes #ResilienceInHealthcare #MentalWellBeing #BurnoutPrevention #WorkLifeBalance #PeerSupport #ProfessionalDevelopment

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What does politics have to teach us about mental health 🤔 ⁉️ “Naff all!” I hear you all cry. “They’re all crazy narcissists 😜 “.You may have a point.But, that aside, I was listening to a fab episode of the podcast ‘The Rest is Politics’ with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart. It featured an interview with Gus O’Donnell, the former Cabinet Secretary aka formerly the biggest gun in the Civil Service. And someone with an avid interest in mental health.He talked about how the UK 🇬🇧 powers that be obsess about GDP (ie gross domestic product). And the idea of something like working to a Gross Happiness 😃 Index instead. His point being that you can build productivity year on year 📈 …BUT, if you’re doing so, through work that is not meaningful or which is immoral (eg building productivity through an increase in drug dealing), then your metric of ‘success’ is flawed.It got me thinking about the age old problem in law firms and other organisations….…of meaningless chat about wellbeing 😃 . All with next to no impact because the metrics we’re all working to are all about the financials 💰 . So, how can firms reward good behaviour around wellbeing in a way that actually works? How can organisations bring in more meaningful metrics of success?Well, one thought is this..The SRA has become very keen on internal surveys of late. 📝I know, I know - they’re boring and no one can be ar*ed to fill them in…BUT - what if, every year, each team member completed surveys including questions on internal culture - in their team and in the firm? With questions like:❓What is the quality of supervision like?❓How much of a sense of team feeling is there?❓How well do you feel supported by your seniors/juniors?With a grading of 1-10 for each.And a catch all question of:❓How do all of these compare with this time last year? ALSO…❓Which wellbeing initiatives have you found helpful?❓What further initiatives/training would you like to see? And now, the real key 🔑 to all of this.Appealing to people’s competitive instincts 🏆 🥇!!At your firm annual strategy day, announce which team has achieved the biggest improvement around wellbeing and mental health. Brought in the best initiatives. Displayed the most positive team culture.Give them a prize 🏆 . Celebrate it 🎉.Or - stay the same. Continue to judge people by reference to financial growth 📈year on year.And watch your people lose faith and leave.Thoughts? Has your firm done anything like this? I’d be keen to know.#wellbeing #mentalhealth

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Increasing your team’s mental resilienceAcross multiple sectors, addressing mental resilience in the workplace is one of the top priorities for business owners and leaders. Thankfully, we have better systems of support through EAP and mental health professionals working closer with organisations. Is there more than can be done? Yes! By increasing the physical health of your workforce, studies have clearly shown that this can significantly increase their mental resilience.*This has major implications for organisations that want to have the most engaged, productive and resilient employees. Investing in their staff’s physical health, is a scientifically proven approach to increase mental resilience and should be a key strategy moving forward. With this issue only becoming a larger problem, we need to think broader and address this holistically.Let’s do more to tackle this growing problem and give your employees the best chance possible, to not just survive, but thrive in the workplace!Reach out if you would like to learn more about my science based, structured movement programs to power your team’s health.References*Deuster, P. A., & Silverman, M. N. (2013). Physical fitness: a pathway to health and resilience.US Army Medical Department Journal.Hegberg, N. J., & Tone, E. B. (2015). Physical activity and stress resilience: Considering those at-risk for developing mental health problems.Mental Health and Physical Activity,8, 1-7.Silverman, M. N., & Deuster, P. A. (2014). Biological mechanisms underlying the role of physical fitness in health and resilience.Interface focus,4(5), 20140040.

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For Mental Health Awareness Week, we're focusing on a word that comes up a lot in wellbeing conversations: RESILIENCE. 👉 Are we overusing the word?👉 Do we even know what it means for individuals?👉 Do we know what it looks like within organisations?👉 How can we pay more attention to creating organisational resilience?Nicky Marshall, Director of Discover Your Bounce Publishing, helps us unpack these issues: https://lnkd.in/ekNsR3MZ#Mentalhealthawarenessweek #resilience

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