I’m pretty sure anyone browsing this site is aware of Nuclear Blast, the German label playing host to the likes of In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, Nightwish, Kreator and tons more metal favourites. We’ve interviewed loads of those artists, but this time we’re changing tack and talking to Claire Harris, one of their awesome PR staff who link us to the bands. It’s people like Claire who sort us out with music, news, interview slots, and do a ton of other stuff at the artist end that we probably don’t even know about!
The reason I wanted to throw a few questions Claire’s way was because she has the following on her email signature:
I am a mental health first aider, please get in touch
Thing is, I am a mental health first aider… but I never thought of advertising it in such a way. I’m going to update my signature shortly. Anyway, mental health obviously matters to Claire, and I wanted to find out why. And, more importantly, what advice she has for those who may need assistance…
Very briefly… who are you, who do you work for and would we have heard of any of the bands you work with?
Hi there! Thanks so much for speaking to me today Iain and Moshville.
I’m Claire Harris and I work for Nuclear Blast Records. I joined the company back in 2015 working for the UK press department and I am now the UK Head of Press. As such, I deal with press campaigns around our band’s new album releases and tours. If you’re a metal head, you have most likely heard of some of our bands – Machine Head, Rob Zombie, Anthrax, Nightwish, Malevolence, Bleed From Within, Svalbard, Pallbearer, Enslaved… and the list goes on! It’s an amazing place to work.
We exchange a lot of emails and I noticed in your signature that you are a mental health first aider. Tell us a little about what one of these is, and why you decided to become one?
That’s absolutely right, I am a mental health first aider at my workplace. A mental health first aider is a non-professional person who has been trained to have a basic understanding of mental health. We’re given the skills to speak to colleagues, other industry professionals, friends and complete strangers about mental health, be it just casual conversations or more serious conversations if someone is having a crisis. The idea is that we are someone open who can lend an ear if someone needs help, advice, or just a friendly conversation.
I decided to become a mental health first aider because mental health is a very important issue, often misunderstood. I’m someone who has had my own ups and downs and understands the importance of a strong support network and the need to have someone to speak to. We spend most of our lives at work with our colleagues, so it makes complete sense having mental health first aiders in the workplace. Before my training, my own knowledge of mental health was very slim, so I was generally interested in learning about the topic too.
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If someone is feeling down, depressed or otherwise struggling, what advice do you have?
Things can get on top of us in our lives if we are overworked, have stressful family situations going on or health issues etc. and it’s important that we have time to rest and recuperate, both mentally and physically. Our minds need rest as much as our bodies need rest. Everyone needs an outlet for their stress, be it going to concerts, swimming, running, reading – whatever helps you to recuperate and feel better. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to and some time and space to recover. However if you are really struggling beyond this, do please seek out professional help. This is very important.
Similarly what would you say to anyone who may know someone who’s not doing well in terms of mental health?
I would advise offering to have a conversation with that person, you could tell them that you’re there if they want to speak to you about it. If they take you up on the offer, you should listen to what they have to say and be non-judgmental, be open and patient. Perhaps ask them why they feel down, or why they are struggling? Then listen to their response.
You absolutely shouldn’t give advice that you aren’t qualified to give. Sometimes being open, understanding and compassionate when listening can be helpful. If you think someone has something more serious going on, if you are safely able to, you should suggest that they get in touch with someone professional. As much as it is important to lend an ear to a friend who needs it, do bear in mind that you also need to protect your own mental health. Only offer to do and help with what you can manage.
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Some good links:
- https://mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Mon-Fri except bank holidays)
- https://rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice 0300 5000 927 (9.30am-4pm Mon-Fri except bank holidays)
- https://samaritans.org/ 116 123 (Freephone 24 hours a day)
- https://sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm)
