Emma Hollingworth, from LSL Group’s senior management team, has shared her personal journey to emotional wellbeing for the latest video in the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) interview series.
Hollingworth attributes her mental health challenges to workplace stress combined with personal life-changing events and hopes her candour will inspire others working in the mortgage sector as well as employers looking to implement appropriate support.
She talked to MIMHC co-founder and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, Jason Berry, as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s latest ‘Keeping the Mental Health Conversation Going’ video.
The forum provides a platform for industry leaders to share insights and strategies for promoting best practice mental wellbeing in the workplace.
During a 30-year career in the mortgage industry, Hollingworth has noticed her mental wellbeing falter on several separate occasions and has learned to take a proactive approach when this occurs.
She said: “We work in a highly pressurised sector, and I now know how essential it is to take care of your physical health as well as your mental health in order to be your best self.
“There are frequently several factors that combine to impact your emotional wellbeing, and I personally found the onset of the menopause a trigger, as I was that young I didn’t realise it was the menopause but it really did affect my mental health.
“On that occasion, I became physically unable to function and wanted to retreat from everyday life which I now recognise to have been a form of burnout.”
She added: “But I’ve learned from these experiences and now know it’s essential to realise when you’re not coping, be absolutely honest with yourself and take appropriate action.”
In MIMHC’s new video, Hollingworth cited rest combined with exercise as key components of her recovery.
“For me, hot-pod yoga and rural walks with my dog prove immensely beneficial to my mental health,” she said.
“I’m also a firm believer in the importance of frank conversations with colleagues – including your company’s mental health advocate or HR team – as well as with trusted friends on those occasions when it’s necessary.
MIMHC’s ‘Keep the Mental Health Conversation Going’ series was established to inspire change and create supportive work environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and support.
Jason Berry said: “This is the first time in one of MIMHC’s videos that an interviewee has discussed openly the clear links between good mental health and her physical wellbeing.
“When there’s a daily focus on delivering the right solution for others, it’s essential to focus on your own mental and physical wellbeing if you’re to be your best self.
“Being honest with yourself and others and knowing that you’ll be listened to and provided with appropriate support are essential components of good mental health – and the continued success of our sector.
Watch Emma’s full interview here.
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