Over the past year, I’ve made a conscious effort to be more open about my own mental health. And what’s struck me is how many people have come back to me with:
“I’ve never told anyone this before.”

Anxiety is something I deal with daily. Most people wouldn’t guess it – because like a lot of us, I’ve learned to wear a mask of confidence. It works. Most of the time. But it can be exhausting.

And it’s not just me. In our house, we’ve experienced OCD, ADHD, anxiety, unhealthy relationships with food, and at times over the years, even suicidal thoughts. I know from talking to many of you that we’re not alone in this. A lot of families are dealing with the same things, quietly.

That’s why Mental Health Awareness Week always gives me mixed feelings.
It’s great to see people talking – but it’s frustrating to see companies post about it just to tick a box.

So let’s be honest with ourselves:
If you only talk about mental health once a year, you probably shouldn’t be posting about it.
It’s like saying you support the Living Wage – but only paying it during Living Wage Week.

Supporting mental health isn’t about posters or slogans. It’s about culture. It’s about actions.

At Adept, we’re not perfect – and we never will be. But we do try:

• We’re accredited as a Real Living Wage and Living Hours employer – because money worries affect mental health.
• We built a welfare room when our team told us they needed one.
• We’ve got a Culture Committee made up of frontline employees, not management.
• And we talk openly about mental health and neurodiversity throughout the year – not just during awareness weeks.

One thing that really helps me manage my own mental health is exercise. It gives me space, structure, and helps reset my head.

So, this year we’re entering a team for Tough Mudder at Broughton Hall, Skipton on Saturday 26th July – and we’d love some of you to join us.

We’ve got 9 places left.
If you fancy a challenge, a laugh, some mud, and the chance to support a good cause, drop me a message as soon as you can.

Because yes, talking helps. But so does doing something tough – together.