Managers must monitor team workload but they also need to look after themselves | Gaynor Parkin and Amanda Wallis

When managers can't fix all the problems faced by their teams, it's time to reach out for support from peers and senior leaders

• The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work

Perhaps it's the time of the year," Matthew* mused. As a new team manager, Matthew was feeling the pressure of being the meat in the sandwich" between his team and senior management. He was recently tasked with delivering difficult news, including systems changes, budget cuts and new compliance requirements.

He didn't feel enthusiastic about any of them and he knew his team was feeling the strain.