The latest video in the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) interview series features Property Circle’s national account manager discussing the events which resulted in her prioritising her mental wellbeing.
Sarah Hartwell says she hopes her frank disclosure of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) she experienced following six failed attempts at IVF in addition to a miscarriage will help promote greater openness surrounding mental health issues.
Hartwell (main picture) talked to MIMHC co-founder and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, Jason Berry, for the 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.
“I now realise that it’s essential to know your own limitations and ask for help if and when this becomes necessary”
Hartwell said: “Once you’ve had a mental health issue, in my case PTSD, it shapes who you become.
“I now realise that it’s essential to know your own limitations and ask for help if and when this becomes necessary – and that’s precisely what I now encourage anyone who’s struggling with their mental health to do without delay.
“Speaking personally, my PTSD occurred in 2014 after I’d experienced several failed attempts at IVF as well as a miscarriage.
“It was an incredibly difficult chapter in my life, but I was fortunate enough to work alongside some remarkable and understanding people who went out of their way to help me when I needed it.”
TURNING POINT
In MIMHC’s new video, Hartwell cites a course of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to have been a turning point in her recovery. EMDR is a recognised mental health treatment technique that can help with the processing and recovery from past traumatic experiences.
Subsequently, Hartwell and her partner successfully adopted a little girl, and she now routinely prioritises her own self-care and works part-time to ensure she “remains strong” for her daughter.
INSPIRE CHANGE
MIMHC’s ‘Keep the Mental Health Conversation Going’ video series was established to inspire positive change and create supportive work environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and support.
MIMHC was established to create a culture of openness and compassion within the mortgage industry by spreading a message of support and understanding while initiating meaningful discussions.
Berry added: “Sarah is clear about the importance of frank conversations surrounding mental health.
“She is also calling upon mortgage companies’ management teams to be vigilant when it comes to colleagues’ mental wellbeing and have fully-trained mental health first-aiders on hand, whenever possible.
“Both of these principles are enshrined at the heart of MIMHC and I can’t thank Sarah enough for being brave enough to share her story.”
