My Manager is making my life miserable
Julia Davies
Have you ever thought, “My manager is making my life miserable”?
You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the majority.
When you think about it, it makes complete sense. Most of us spend a huge portion of our waking hours at work. We speak to our managers and colleagues daily. We receive feedback from them. We rely on them for direction, support, progression, and often validation. The tone they set, the way they communicate, and how they respond under pressure all shape our day-to-day experience.
Work doesn’t just stay at work, either. It follows us home — in our thoughts, our mood, and sometimes even our sleep.
And yet, here’s something surprising: fewer than 29% of organisations provide mental health training.
That’s a big gap.
Managers play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. They are often the first to notice changes in behaviour, performance, or engagement. But without the right tools and confidence, even the most well-meaning manager can feel unsure about what to say or do.
Mental health training isn’t about turning managers into therapists. It’s about equipping them with practical skills and awareness so they can:
The truth is, most managers want to do the right thing. They just need guidance. Without training, they may avoid conversations because they feel awkward or underprepared. With training, those same conversations become opportunities for connection and support.
If you’re wondering how mental health training could fit into your organisation, the good news is: it’s easier than you think. It doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Small steps can lead to meaningful change.
And the impact? More powerful than you might imagine.
If this is something you’ve been considering, let’s have a conversation. Supporting mental health at work isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a foundation for healthier, more productive teams.
You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the majority.
When you think about it, it makes complete sense. Most of us spend a huge portion of our waking hours at work. We speak to our managers and colleagues daily. We receive feedback from them. We rely on them for direction, support, progression, and often validation. The tone they set, the way they communicate, and how they respond under pressure all shape our day-to-day experience.
Work doesn’t just stay at work, either. It follows us home — in our thoughts, our mood, and sometimes even our sleep.
And yet, here’s something surprising: fewer than 29% of organisations provide mental health training.
That’s a big gap.
Managers play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. They are often the first to notice changes in behaviour, performance, or engagement. But without the right tools and confidence, even the most well-meaning manager can feel unsure about what to say or do.
Mental health training isn’t about turning managers into therapists. It’s about equipping them with practical skills and awareness so they can:
- Recognise early signs that someone might be struggling
- Have supportive, open conversations without fear of “saying the wrong thing”
- Respond appropriately and confidently
- Create psychologically safer environments
- Reduce stigma around mental health
- Improve trust and team morale
- Support productivity in a sustainable way
The truth is, most managers want to do the right thing. They just need guidance. Without training, they may avoid conversations because they feel awkward or underprepared. With training, those same conversations become opportunities for connection and support.
If you’re wondering how mental health training could fit into your organisation, the good news is: it’s easier than you think. It doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Small steps can lead to meaningful change.
And the impact? More powerful than you might imagine.
If this is something you’ve been considering, let’s have a conversation. Supporting mental health at work isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a foundation for healthier, more productive teams.