Meet the Debenhams Mental Health Advisors
As we prepare to head to Flackstock 2025, we’re taking a moment to get up-close and personal with our Debenhams Mental Health Advisors, touching on the importance of managing stress, establishing a good work-life balance, and opening up about our struggles – even if we don’t know where to start.
What does mental health mean to you?
“Mental health, to me, is about balance. It’s how we feel, think, and cope with day-to-day life, especially under pressure!” says Lexi. “As a creative, I know how tightly linked our mental state is to our ability to be inspired, collaborative, and resilient. Good mental health doesn’t mean being happy all the time - it means having the tools and support to manage the ups and downs.”
Mental health is about emotional wellbeing. It’s about how we feel and how that can impact our mindset, relationships, and overall quality of life,” adds Olivia. “I became a Mental Health First Aider because I believe in creating safe, honest spaces where people can ask for support without fear of judgment. I myself have had times when I needed someone to listen, and I want to be that person for others.”
How important is it for there to be open conversations around mental health in the workplace?
“It’s important for people to know that they have support on-hand and people to turn to. We have resources available to support a variety of different needs,” shares Rhian. “Being able to have open and honest conversations will look different for everyone, but the message is that there will always be someone here to listen.”
“Everyone has their own challenges and difficulties. Everyone is different. We all have our own likes and dislikes. In those conversations of opening up, it gives people like myself the opportunity to understand that individual and what’s going on for them. It’s about that person feeling heard,” reveals Tom.
“I really believe in what’s called the empowerment model – basically, it’s about helping someone figure out what’s right for them, rather than jumping in with advice or solutions & decisions of your own. Once someone feels heard, it’s about supporting them to take the lead in working out their own next steps. With a bit of support, and working alongside them in a positive way, that individual will find the solutions they’ve been looking for to the challenges or difficulties they’re facing.”
What are your top tips for managing stress?
“For me, taking time to sit down with a friend over coffee, sometimes just talking things out helps reset your perspective,” says Jess. “I also love Pilates as it combines strength, mindfulness and breathwork, I always feel so much calmer after a session.”
“My top tip would be to pause and find what’s making you feel overwhelmed, then look for small ways to restore some equilibrium,” suggests Olivia. “It’s so easy to get swept up in the busyness of life, but taking a step back and giving yourself a moment of grace can make a big difference. Sometimes, just allowing space to breathe is the first step toward feeling grounded again.”
What steps can we take to help manage our mental health for the better?
“I always look at things in a long-term sense,” explains Tom. “I never turn to the short-term wins. What I mean by this is that you want to foster a life that will create a healthy lifestyle and therefore, good mental health.”
“It’s something we all know deep down, but it’s worth saying - when your mental health’s not in a great place, constant scrolling, endless TV, or drinking to escape doesn’t actually help. They might feel like short-term comforts, but they’re usually just distractions that leave you feeling worse.”
Olivia adds: “I think a big step in looking after our own mental health is just being more open about it. The more we talk about how we're really doing, the less daunting it feels. It doesn’t have to be a big, heavy conversation every time, but just creating space to be honest with ourselves and each other can make a huge difference. It helps us feel more connected and supported, which is so important.”
“I also think it's super important to look after your physical health, whether this be getting sufficient rest/sleep or staying active,” says Jess. “It's OK to say no, set your boundaries and take a break if you're ever feeling overwhelmed.”
What are your top tips for leaving work, at work?
“Find a way to reclaim the day when you get home – even one thing daily that steps you out of work mode,” recommends Rhian. “It could be that cup of tea when you get home, making your favourite meal, a gym class, or finally watching the next episode of your go-to show. Define the moment when your work day has ended.”
“Having a hobby can really help you unwind, whether that be a simple act of self-care or complete escapism. For me, that might be playing games in the evening or going through an overly long skincare routine,” says Olivia. “Most importantly, it reminds you of who you are outside of work (beyond the numbers, deadlines, and presentations).”
What advice would you give to anyone struggling?
“If you are struggling, I think the best advice is to speak up. Make people aware of your challenges and struggles,” advise Tom. “Try not to keep things bottled up – that only makes everything feel heavier. Reaching out might feel hard at first, but it’s the most important step you can take.”
“A problem shared really is a problem halved,” agrees Olivia. “Sometimes getting your thoughts out of your head and into the open, whether by talking to someone or writing them down, can bring a sense of relief. It can make things feel lighter, even if nothing has changed yet. No matter how big or small something feels, it’s always worth talking it through.”
“You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Please speak to someone – whether it’s a friend, someone in your family, a manager, or a Mental Health First Aider like myself,” Lexi advises. “Struggling isn’t a weakness, it’s a human experience. Talking is the first, and often the hardest step but it can change everything.”
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