A Conversation on Prioritizing Mental Health

You know what? Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a tool to help each of us show up at our best and unlock the best in everyone.?

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the progress towards prioritizing mental wellbeing at work and across our lives. It’s also a time to? recognize that more work needs to happen to?destigmatizing mental health issues. My own experiences have helped me understand the impact mental health issues can have on individuals and families, and the importance of playing an active role on their journey.??

I feel?reinvigorated?after Steven Keller , Pacific Market President, and I hosted a discussion about mental health and wellness and military appreciation with veterans, mental health experts, and wellness champions. Each of their experiences reminded us about the challenges and triumphs of focusing on mental health in both military and civilian life.?

Here are a few key learnings I took away from our conversation:?

• As leaders, we impact?70% of the mental wellbeing of our direct reports– that's more than their spouse/partner and therapist. It's a staggering reminder of our responsibilities as leaders.?
• We all need to prioritize our own mental?health, in order to encourage others to do the same. ??
• The stigma around?mental health continues to be a barrier for many individuals seeking support and understanding. But it’s within our power to dismantle these barriers, and create a culture of empathy and acceptance - where every individual feels empowered to prioritize their mental health -without fear of judgment.?

I’m lucky to work for a company that has great benefits and allows employees to focus on their mental wellbeing - though coaching, confidential counseling, and flexible work arrangements. I?want to make sure every employee in my market knows they have my full support to use the resources Verizon provides to care for themselves and their own teams.?

I’d love to hear one action you are taking or learning about to care for your mental wellbeing and continue this important conversation about how we do more for each other.? Let’s continue to embrace the power of community and the strength it takes to ask for help.