Closing Off Mental Health Awareness Month

No matter what anyone says, the state of mental health is pretty grim. As a child of a parent who committed suicide, I have been very aware of the declining mental health in our society. We live in a time where we have more understanding of depression, anxiety, and all the mental health hurdles life throws at us. We've got a whole world of information at our fingertips, yet somehow, we're sicker than ever. Even with more medical support and a growing tolerance for mental health struggles, things seem to be getting worse. Go figure!

As October wraps up, signaling the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s time to take stock. How have we ended up here? Have we accidentally contributed to someone’s stress or anxiety? Have we been there for people who needed help, or just looked the other way? And what can we do differently as we roll into the rest of the year? Let’s face it, depression and anxiety don’t just take a vacation once October’s over.

The pressure to perform is at an all-time high, the economy’s got everyone stretched thin, and we’re forgetting how to treat each other like humans. Keyboard warriors are out here slinging insults for the most ridiculous reasons, and in this corner, women are being told to compete with men, while men are constantly reminded they’re “the problem” just for existing. Life’s blessings start to feel like burdens, and we’re all slogging through our 9-to-5s with little more than a half-hearted ‘thanks’ for our efforts.

As an employer, remember: your staff gives you the best hours of their lives. The least you can do is consider their mental well-being. That means more than just following HR guidelines — it’s about creating space for open dialogue and offering meaningful support. Too often, businesses stick to formality, bound by rules of what’s “professional,” without seeing how overloaded job portfolios are draining the productivity (and sanity) of the team. Spoiler: burnt-out employees aren’t great for business.

If you take a second to think about how the pressures of work affect your staff — and how what they do outside work impacts what happens during work — you’d realize how valuable it is to create a supportive environment for those on your payroll.

In this digital age, we’ve forgotten how to just be people. It's high time businesses step up and address the glaring need for mental health initiatives. Too many people push through anxiety, depression, and burnout just to avoid losing their jobs. It’s easy to brush it off as "a bad day" or blame it on something trivial, all in the name of making that paycheck.

So here’s my challenge: take the rest of October to think about how you can better support people who are quietly struggling. If you want to boost productivity and office vibes, get rid of the stigma around mental health. What we need is acknowledgment and a bit of responsibility for how we’re all playing a part in society.

Improving mental health requires a combination of personal practices, supportive environments, and access to professional resources. Here are some ways to enhance mental well-being on both an individual and collective level:

1. Personal Practices

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms by grounding you in the present moment.
• Regular Physical Activity: Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, and can significantly improve mental health.
• Healthy Diet: Nutrition plays a big role in mental health. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help stabilize mood and energy levels.
• Adequate Sleep: Sleep is vital for mental health. Developing a good sleep routine can improve cognitive function, mood, and resilience to stress.
• Creative Expression: Engaging in creative activities, like art, writing, or music, can be therapeutic and provide a healthy outlet for emotions.
• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings helps you process emotions, gain clarity, and develop a more positive mindset.

2. Social Connection

• Build Strong Relationships: Positive relationships with friends, family, or coworkers provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
• Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professionals when you’re struggling. Sometimes talking things through is the best medicine.
• Join Support Groups: Engaging with others who face similar challenges can provide valuable emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.

3. Professional Support

• Therapy or Counseling: Talking to a mental health professional can help you better understand and manage your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Medication: For some, mental health conditions may require medication to manage symptoms effectively. Always consult a healthcare provider.
• Workplace Mental Health Programs: Employers can offer counseling services, workshops, and resources that help employees manage stress, anxiety, or burnout.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Manage Stress: Identify the sources of stress in your life and work on minimizing them. Practices like time management, setting boundaries, and self-care can make a big difference.
• Limit Social Media Use: Excessive social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to take regular breaks or limit your exposure.
• Develop a Routine: A balanced routine can help create structure, which is especially helpful for managing anxiety and depression.
• Learn to Say No: Set boundaries and recognize when your plate is too full. Saying “no” can protect your mental health by reducing unnecessary stress.

5. Environmental Changes

• Create a Supportive Workplace: Employers should foster a culture of mental health awareness by offering flexibility, recognizing burnout, and providing mental health days.
• Promote Work-Life Balance: Companies that encourage work-life balance and discourage overwork help prevent burnout and foster a healthier, more productive team.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Mental health discussions should be normalized in all areas of life. People need to feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of stigma.

6. Broader Community Initiatives

• Advocate for Mental Health Awareness: Educate yourself and others on mental health to reduce stigma. Participating in or supporting mental health awareness campaigns can bring about societal change.
• Access to Mental Health Resources: Governments and organizations can work to ensure that mental health care is accessible and affordable for everyone.

Improving mental health is a continuous process. Combining these personal, professional, and societal approaches can help create a more supportive environment where mental well-being thrives.

How does your company create a better environment for your staff? Drop your thoughts below—your insights might just inspire others to do better by their people and you may save someone's life this Christmas, a time of year when suicide is at an all time high!