Del and Jo

Introducing Breathe Out – Series 2, Volume 3

The first episode completed with one of our colleagues, who bravely shares their mental health journey, and how the cleaning industry, routine and a supportive employer have played a crucial role in her rehabilitation.

Del and Jo

Tell us a little about who you are, the job you do and how long you have worked at Proceed? 

My name is Jo, and I’ve been working as a cleaner at Proceed since September 2023. I was brand new to the cleaning industry, this being my first cleaning job. Prior to starting with Proceed, I had some time off due to poor mental health and before that, my work experience was in recruitment and HR admin. I realised that what I needed was a job that wasn’t going to be too emotionally tiring, a job where I could turn up, do my work, then clock off mentally once I’d finished. I always enjoyed cleaning at home, I like that it’s a mindful activity and something that you can get immersed in and be present in the moment. When I started working again, cleaning just seemed perfect for me. I am really happy that I went for the job at a Wickes store with Proceed, it’s a great fit for me. Having a supportive team around you, or an unsupportive team, can make or break a job, and I think that’s the case for any job, even your dream job. If you’re working with people who are not on the same level or mindset as you are, it can make an amazing job really difficult. When I go into work, I am really made to feel part of the Wickes team, despite the fact that I work for Proceed, the Wickes team treat me as one of their own, involving me in their activities which makes me feel great. For instance, earlier this year on Valentine’s Day, they had organised a ‘kind words’ board, and asked if I would like to take part. It was something so simple, a board where you leave kind words and thoughts about your colleagues. I love these types of work place activities, it encourages a really positive culture. Places I’ve previously worked have had a toxic culture, from the top down. The place where I’m working now is the complete opposite. The store manager (Kev) is fantastic, he’s so flexible with me, and always the first to give me positive feedback, which I think is really lovely, especially in a society where people are usually quick to tell you what you’re doing wrong. Kev really is a fantastic boss and we love him!

How long have you been in your industry?

I’ve worked in our industry now for just under a year, and my experiences so far have been really positive, however, all my cleaning experiences have been with Proceed. If ever I have a problem and raise it, I get a very quick response and it’s always non-judgemental, which is great. I feel very welcome at Proceed, they are a progressive company and a really good fit for me. Long established organisations can sometimes be quite old-fashioned in their methods, seeing things very black-and-white, which is not how Proceed approach things. My mental health has been stable since working for Proceed, but, should the need arise, I definitely feel like I could open up and have a conversation with the company about how I’m feeling, and I would be fully supported.

Tell us something most people won’t know about you, something fun. A fun fact or past life. 

The only thing I can think of is that I have the ability to chronically embarrass myself. I once got stuck in a disco dome, adult bouncy castle. It had a small circular entrance hole, which I thought I could dived through with the grace of an Olympic swimmer, however, I got stuck in the hole and my pants and underwear came down, and all this happened in front of my friends and family! I just laughed.

As part of the BreatheOut initiative, which highlights the positive impact of talking to someone, especially if you are struggling and also being active. How important are these two factors of combatting mental ill-health to you?

Lots of people who struggle with their mental health are raised in a family dynamic that’s not very open. That’s why opening up can feel like a foreign concept, and leave you worrying that people may perceive you as weak for talking about your feelings and vulnerabilities. When the narratives we have about ourselves live only inside our heads, and we’re not bouncing ideas with anyone else, a lot of shame can accumulate. Opening up and talking is extremely important, whether it’s with someone who you trust or a professional, it can be massively beneficial to our mental wellbeing. In reference to being active, I have a dog which has a really positive impact on my mental health. If I didn’t have the responsibility of looking after a dog, I wouldn’t get out every day for some much needed fresh air and socialisation with other people, which in itself is very beneficial. Also, I always feel better when I’m in nature and I find that it’s great for my self-care.

Have you ever personally struggled with your own mental health. If so how did you or do you deal with it?

If I’m being honest, I’ve struggled with my mental health my entire life. It was first medically acknowledged when I went the doctors aged 14, they diagnosed me with anxiety and depression, at a time when I was also struggling with an eating disorder. Later, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD, which was relatively unheard of at the time, I can only describe it as having the symptoms of PTSD and a little bit more. I grew up in a toxic situation, my mother, who I’m estranged from now, had substance abuse issues and she was very abusive. She also struggled with her own mental health, that went undiagnosed and untreated, which felt like it just made everything a million times worse. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened to me as a child. I have had a series of diagnosis over the years, including, body dysmorphia, bulimia, complex PTSD, and Dermatillomania which is a form of OCD. For a long time I really didn’t cope well, I was trying to fill the void of parental love, and in doing so was throwing things like substances, food and sex into the void, literally anything that would give me instant gratification. Thankfully, I have since learnt how to show myself love and really look after me, respecting my body and being more compassionate to myself, which has included a better diet and exercise.

In business there is a stigma attached to people with mental health issues. Why do you think that is?

I think it’s more about the stigma in society, while I feel we are making big strides to improve attitudes, we’ve still got a long way to go. A lot of the time, people who have not experienced mental health issues, have a clouded judgment, and adopt a ‘stiff upper lip’ attitude, often referencing ‘back in my day, you just got on with it’. While being resilient is a good characteristic to have, I feel like it’s too black and white, and the causes of poor mental health are much more complex.

Would you recommend working for Proceed Solutions?

I’d definitely recommend Proceed as an organisation to work for. From my experience, the company and their management are progressive, forward thinking, ‘down to earth’ and human. If you are someone who does have a history of mental health issues, it can be really difficult to find the right culture and environment that allows you to talk openly about your difficulties, Proceed has given me both.

Jo Breatheout