Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed throughout May. Started by Mental Health America, this ongoing awareness initiative helps us remember that 90% of workers have been affected by mental health challenges.
Unfortunately, there's still a stigma around mental health, posing yet another challenge that results in only 33% of people seeking help when they feel that they need it.
For a workforce to be healthy, employers need to become mental health champions while building a community of allyship.
This may be through the start of a Mental Wellness Program at the office or something smaller, like performing Work-Health Surveys or Stress Screeners to determine employee satisfaction and identify potential areas of improvement.
Here are a few tips to get you started on becoming an advocate during Mental Health Awareness Month:
Find the Silver Lining & Share It
It may seem easy or arbitrary, but it's effective: Posting to social platforms can help get the word out. It also helps those going through a mental health challenge realize that they're not alone.
By sharing support groups, tips, or even a few intentional words of wisdom, building a holistic community of mental health advocacy can start in the palm of your hand.
This may even entail sharing a testimonial of your personal experience with mental health challenges.
Be Proactive & Perform Social Check-Ins
Taking the time to acknowledge someone's contributions or even just listen to them can go miles in turning a hard day into a happy one.
Beyond that, we can never really know what someone has experienced in the moments leading up to your interactions. A bit of empathy and encouragement can be effective in ensuring that an individual feels safe and appreciated.
Learn How to React in a Crisis
Being aware of the warning signs of a mental health crisis and knowing how to react can equip you with the techniques needed to support those enduring mental health challenges.
People can very easily be caught up in their own emotions and being able to recognize these behavioral changes as they happen can be instrumental in understanding how to avoid triggers that might further jeopardize their wellbeing.
