Empowering clinicians, strengthening mental health together

Last week, I had the privilege to chair the first-ever Clinician’s Mental Health Workshop at Cape Town’s Africa Health Congress and Exhibition. With over 10,000 visitors, the event highlighted a critical yet often overlooked element of clinician well-being: mental health. As I reflected on the event, it struck me that despite the profound commitment of these healthcare professionals, their mental health is frequently neglected.

The workshop, attended by between 250 and 500 clinicians, offered an opportunity to focus on this essential topic, especially with the voices of key leaders such as Dr. Tunde Massey Ojo, national coordinator for mental health at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health. Dr. Ojo emphasised the critical role of “friends of our mental well-being,” including family, spirituality, and journaling, in building resilience and maintaining mental health. He reminded us that mental health support systems are essential and multi-dimensional, not limited to a clinical context.

Throughout the workshop, key insights and stories emerged that hold valuable lessons not only for clinicians but for leaders across all fields. Here are four reflections with actionable advice that leaders in any industry can apply to support mental well-being and resilience.

1. Recognise the power of personal connections

Reflection: In his session, professor Solomon Rataemane, a retired psychiatrist, led a unique exercise with four clinicians who shared personal experiences with burnout and depression. Rataemane explained that burnout and depression can exist independently, or together, and that recognising these nuances is crucial. He underscored the need for open conversations about mental health and normalising vulnerability in professional environments.

Actionable advice: Leaders should prioritise personal connection and normalise discussions around mental health. Create space for regular check-ins, where team members feel comfortable discussing mental health openly. Encouraging vulnerability within the team can help foster trust, making it easier to address challenges before they become crises.

2. Embrace your “Packaging” mindfully

Reflection: Dr. Kagwe Margaret from Kenya used a metaphor of “packaging” to describe the way clinicians — and people in any profession — present themselves. “What we expose ourselves to is what we become at night,” she explained, emphasising how the demands of work often seep into personal lives. This concept resonated deeply, highlighting how self-image and professional roles impact our internal lives.

Actionable advice: Leaders can foster a balanced workplace by encouraging team members to find fulfilment beyond their professional roles. Promote a culture that values boundaries and self-care, encouraging activities or hobbies that contribute to personal well-being. Leaders can also set an example by creating clear boundaries between work and personal time, showing that balance is both achievable and respected.

3. Use vulnerability as a tool for empowerment

Reflection: My mentee, Charlotte Ruwona from Botswana, took the stage and courageously shared her journey into the mental health field, including her personal motivations and struggles. Her openness was powerful, inspiring a moment of connection and empathy among all present. This willingness to be vulnerable demonstrated how sharing personal experiences can strengthen bonds and provide support within a team.

Actionable advice: Leaders can foster a supportive culture by modelling vulnerability and sharing personal experiences. This can be as simple as starting team meetings with a “pulse check” or allowing space for employees to share challenges and experiences. By showing empathy and openness, leaders create a culture of psychological safety where team members feel valued as whole individuals, not just employees.

4. Define your own path to thrive

Reflection: In my keynote, I shared my personal journey with a spinal cord injury, an experience that, while difficult, taught me to “THRIVE.” I broke down this approach: Take charge of your mental health, Harness support systems, Recognise boundaries, Incorporate holistic healing, Validate progress, and Empower others through your story. This mindset helped me transform adversity into a purposeful life, a message that resonated with many attendees.

Actionable advice: Leaders can support mental well-being by fostering a “THRIVE” culture, where employees feel empowered to prioritise their mental health. Encourage your team to set personal well-being goals, integrate flexible wellness options, and celebrate holistic achievements that go beyond productivity metrics. Leaders can also consider organising workshops or wellness programmes that align with these principles, promoting resilience and work-life balance as central values.

Conclusion 

Leading the way for mental health in workplaces

The Clinician’s Mental Health Workshop was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental well-being, not only in healthcare but across all sectors. The stories and insights shared underscored that mental health is about more than individual coping — it’s a collective journey supported by leaders, colleagues, and the workplace culture itself.

In Dr. Ojo’s words, “Friends of mental well-being — family, spirituality, and mindfulness — are not only essential but also deeply intertwined with our professional lives.” Whether in healthcare, business, or education, mental health must be an integrated part of any organisation, with leaders setting the tone for a culture that supports resilience, empathy, and well-being.

Let’s remember that prioritising mental health in the workplace is not just a personal responsibility; it’s a leadership imperative. By creating supportive environments, fostering connections, encouraging vulnerability, and defining paths to thrive, leaders can help ensure that their teams — and ultimately their organisations — are not only productive but genuinely thriving.

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