Workplace Mental Health: A Survival Guide, with Tom Oxley

Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast

In this episode, I am joined by Tom Oxley, a workplace mental health consultant, trainer, and support specialist whose TEDx talk on mental health has inspired over three-quarters of a million viewers. Years ago, while forging a fast-paced career in advertising, marketing, and PR, Tom hit a wall. His relentless schedule and lifestyle eventually caused a profound mental health crisis, leaving him tearful, unable to focus, and uncertain where to turn for help.

In this candid conversation, Tom opens up about the early warning signs he ignored, the manager who finally urged him to seek help, and the confusion and loneliness he felt when handed a medical note reading “stress, anxiety, depression.” He also shares how a well-intentioned workplace can still fall short if they lack the right tools, knowledge, or empathy and why one supportive boss can make all the difference.

We explore the vital role of self-care, from getting enough sleep and movement to building “opposite activities” into daily life - pursuits that have nothing to do with work and everything to do with staying grounded. Tom offers practical insights for both employees and employers: how to recognise burnout in yourself or a colleague, the legal obligations companies have around stress risk assessments, and why a culture of openness matters more than any flashy wellness initiative.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job that’s draining you or if you manage a team and wonder how to foster genuine mental well-being this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice, personal stories, and hope for positive change. Join us as Tom reveals how he turned a life-altering crisis into a calling, becoming a go-to voice for healthier, more compassionate workplaces everywhere.

If you want to find out more about Tom visit his website: https://bamboomentalhealth.co.uk/.

You can find Tom’s TEDx talk here: Workplace Mental Health – What you need to know (for now).