Ep 187: Leadership and mental health

Welcome to another episode of My Pocket Psych, which is part of our ongoing ‘Sustainable Leadership’ series.

In this episode, Richard is joined by clinical and coaching psychologist Dr. Petra Gwilliam, to discuss the importance of mental health when it comes to leadership.

We’ve previously looked at some of the challenges leaders can face at work, and the benefits of cultivating psychological flexibility (Episode 186). In this episode, Richard and Petra discuss some of the many challenges to leaders’ mental health specifically, how dips in mental health can show up in leaders’ emotions, attitudes and behaviour, and the importance of taking early action when mental health issues become apparent.

Dr Petra Gwilliam is a Chartered Clinical and Coaching Psychologist who began her career in the NHS in 1995 and moved into clinical and leadership roles in psychological services. She now specialises in working with leaders across sectors, applying clinical, coaching, and occupational psychology to promote sustainable ways of working.

Petra’s work is preventative and proactive, designed to support leaders and the systems that depend on them. Her experience spans public, private, and voluntary sectors, giving her a wide lens on the challenges professionals face within complex systems. Alongside her leadership-focused services, she contributes to the work of professional bodies and helps train future psychologists within higher education.

These varied roles have given Petra direct insight into the pressures leaders carry, and the personal and organisational cost of unsupported leadership.

As the founder of PsycholoBee®, Petra shares psychological insights in evidence-informed and practical ways to help purpose-led leaders think well, work well, and lead well, with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Thanks for listening!

Resources for this episode

• Our Sustainable Leadership information hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sustainableleadership
• Download our free white on Sustainable Leadership: https://www.worklifepsych.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sustainable_Leadership_whitepaper.pdf
• Ep 186 – Why leaders need to be psychologically flexible: https://www.worklifepsych.com/podcast/186
• Our Psychological Flexibility information hub: https://www.worklifepsych.com/psychologicalflexibility
• Find out more about Dr. Petra Gwilliam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petragwilliam/
• Register for our upcoming free Sustainable Leadership webinars here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/sustainable-leadership-4167563
• The Mental Health Foundation – https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Mental health and wellbeing resources

MH Information

• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ – For information and access to free NHS mental health services, including how to get urgent help.
• https://www.mind.org.uk/ – Mental health charity offering support, information, and advice for a wide range of mental health concerns.

Burnout, Overwhelm & Workplace Stress

• Mental Health at Work (Mind) – https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk – Resources for managing workplace stress and burnout, aimed at both individuals and employers.
• NHS Every Mind Matters (Workplace & Stress) – https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ – Offers self-care tips, stress management tools, and mental health guidance.

Loneliness & Isolation

• Campaign to End Loneliness – https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/ – Information, research, and community support around loneliness, particularly for adults.
• Mind – Loneliness – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/ – Practical guidance for people experiencing loneliness and isolation.
• Connect & Thrive – https://www.worklifepsych.com/ConnectAndThrive – our resources for addressing loneliness in the workplace

⚠️ Crisis & Suicidal Thoughts

Samaritans (24/7 helpline) – Confidential, non-judgemental support for anyone struggling to cope.

• 📞 Call 116 123 (free)
• 📍 https://www.samaritans.org

SHOUT (Text support) – Free, 24/7 crisis text support for mental health, stress, or suicidal feelings.

• 📱 Text “SHOUT” to 85258
• 📍 https://giveusashout.org/

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide – A specialist charity focused on suicide prevention in young people.

• 📞 HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 41 41 (for under 35s and concerned others)
• 📍 https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Mental health and suicide prevention support, especially for men.

• 📞 Call 0800 58 58 58 or use webchat
• 📍 https://www.thecalmzone.net/