#LeadersGoFirst, My Mental Health Month Story

Like you, I have a story.?

By the numbers, about half of us will have a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in our lifetimes. And that’s probably an underestimate considering all of the “under-diagnosed” - or undisclosed - conditions.?

Chances are also good that even if you escape the experience of a mental illness or crisis, your life will at some point be affected by that of a friend or loved one who is struggling. My story, like so many, includes both perspectives, and has animated and informed my sense of purpose throughout my career, especially now in service to our mission at Mental Health America .

What we know from our workplace research at Mental Health America is that the core tenets of emotional safety and well-being in the workplace are inclusion and openness. To that end, I am grateful to be sharing my story here as a part of Mind Share Partners ’?#LeadersGoFirst Campaign to advance the narrative around workplace mental health and to rally my peers nationwide to join me.

Leaders bear a special responsibility to lead the way with openness and vulnerability – to demonstrate our personal rejection of bias and to pave the way for others in our path to discuss mental health and well-being issues openly.?

My own story takes place a long time ago and revolves around traumatic experiences with my biological father who struggled with substance use issues and depression which led him – and us – to some dark places. After his death, my “mild” panic disorder grew into anxiety and post-trauma symptoms which were at times overwhelming. I am grateful to have found healing and recovery in my life – but tending to my mental well-being is something I take seriously on a daily basis. Part of that for me has involved sharing my story, as I have in the #LeadersGoFirst Campaign. I thank you in advance for listening.

One of the things that I most value and admire in my colleagues at the Mental Health America National Office is that they walk the talk of freedom from stigma. So, together we’re on a mission to share?our?collective stories. We’re pitching a big tent with room and respect for everyone. We all have a story - and everyone deserves to be heard.

As May comes to a close, we thank you for celebrating Mental Health Month 2023 with us, and thank you to Kelly Greenwood for her leadership at Mind Share Partners . Please visit www.mindsharepartners.org/leadersgofirst to learn more. #WorkplaceMentalHealth #MentalHealthAtWork

I dedicate this to all of my colleagues at Mental Health America. ??