Getting Loud about Mental Health at Work
Posted on Oct. 10, 2023 / Subscribe 0
By: Kate Smith, Sr. Director of Communications at Pinellas Education Foundation, Sunshine District Communications Co-Chair and PRSA Tampa Bay DEI Committee Member
Let's get loud about mental health at work! I was inspired recently when I attended the University of South Florida’s Women in Leadership and Philanthropy Symposium, with one session on support systems and mental health for all. It's a perfect topic to discuss on World Mental Health Day, which is October 10.
What better time than now to advocate for mental health? In today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environments, prioritizing mental health is not just a fundamental human right; it’s also strategic for sustainable business success.
Think about it. A supportive and mentally healthy work environment fosters resilience, creativity, employee engagement and productivity. Who doesn’t want to be more creative and more productive at work?
The best way to build awareness around mental health is to talk about it. So, I encourage you to use your voice to discuss mental health's importance, especially at work. There is still such a stigma about expressing certain emotions. It can come from various reasons, maybe cultural barriers, learned behaviors, or simply perception.
How to Break the Stigma
Encouraging conversations about mental health breaks down barriers and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health. We need to lead by example. We are communicators, public relations practitioners, and brand strategists, but regardless of our professional titles, all of us are leaders. We must be an example and create a safe space to discuss how we feel at work. Sure, it can be challenging to be vulnerable in that way. But the next time someone asks how you’re doing – if the answer isn’t a resounding great, fantastic, wonderful – I encourage you to be vulnerable and honest with your feelings. That way, whoever you are talking to will know it’s a safe space to be honest about how you’re doing. And I also challenge you to remember when someone is vulnerable with you at work. Don’t forget to follow up and see how they’re doing.
How amazing would it be to create a culture where asking for help is the norm and not the exception? I challenge all of you, not just today but every day, to get loud about mental health. Use your voice to advocate for one another. Let’s make mental health awareness as routine as brushing your teeth.
Resources
211 Tampa Bay Cares
If you need assistance locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem or exploring mental health treatment options, call 211 to speak with a live person who can help.
- 211 conversations are confidential, can be made anonymously, and are available in over 180 languages upon request.
- If you prefer to text, you can text your zip code to 898-211
- If you prefer to search for resources online, click here to search an online database of services.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis, options are available to help you cope. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime to connect with a trained crisis counselor. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the U.S., call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, or visit here: https://go.usa.gov/xyxGa.
NAMI Resources
Free mental health resources and support groups are also available through our local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) chapters, including a NAMI Surviving Suicide Loss Support Group:
NAMI Hillsborough at https://namihillsborough.org/
NAMI Pasco https://namipasco.org/
NAMI Pinellas at https://nami-pinellas.org/
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