May is Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month

My sister was diagnosed as having schizophrenia around her 21st birthday. In those moments it was pretty obvious, but we still clung to the far-fetched and remote possibility that it could be something else. We struggled with acceptance... wanting her to be curable and most important, normal - whatever that means.

Fast forward to now, more than 15 years later, and our lives remain different. Her symptoms come and go, sometimes for years in between and sometimes not. The family remains at odds when it comes to treatment approaches and methods, with her guardian ad litem (our mother) having the final say.

The quality of care my sister receives is nearly non-existent. Outpatient services are okay, but when we most need help, during times that require hospitalization and emergency services, the resources become very scarce. It's difficult to find a facility with an open bed. She's often hospitalized with patients who are considered dangerous, yet, are free to roam about, intimidating others and sometimes hurting them before someone can intervene. I find myself wondering how did we, as a society, get here and how do we get better?

So, what does all this have to do with Talent? Oddly, it has everything to do with talent. She was at work when her symptoms initially manifested. No one knew what to do. Some people laughed at her as she cried and accused her coworkers of stealing her things. She was having a psychotic breakdown; yet, no one tried to stop her from getting in the car and driving away, even though everyone agreed that her behavior was very out of character and she seemed too upset to drive.

In honor of Mental Health Month, I challenge you to consider the environment you help to create at work. Is it a supportive and positive atmosphere? Is there training available to help identify employees in distress? How many people utilize your company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? If participation is low, does it mean everyone's fine, or could it mean that employees don't understand or trust its privacy policies? What could be done to help with that perception? Above all else, if you see someone struggling, then reach out. If you aren't comfortable doing that, ask a manager or HR professional to act on your behalf. There is no shame in being concerned for another human being.

Dustin Caldwell

Product Development | Transformation | Strategy | Change Management | CX | BC Development | Design Sprints | Kaizen Events | PgM

2 年

Powerful message and great takeaway. Thanks Shelia!

Carrie Lokeni

Global Business Services International Operations Manager at UPS

2 年

Well said Shelia!

Robert Scrivner

Team Operations Strategist | Activator | Competitive | Strategic | Woo | Communication | Shared Services | Networking | Mentoring | Shared Services | Business Strategy| GBS | Speaker | SSON Select Chairperson | Girl~Dad

2 年

If you have not had to deal with mental illnesses in your own home, you have almost no idea what to do or when and how to react. For our employees, we should treat mental illness with the same rigor as safety training, in my opinion. Thank You for sharing, Sheila.

Audrye Smith, SHRM-SCP

Human Resources Professional

2 年

I love that you shared this deeply personal piece of your life. Thank you. Last month (at our Rochester location), we had 8 individuals complete Mental Health First Aider training. It's one small step in the right direction. One additional tool in the toolbox of these EIS employees. #stopthestigma #mentalhealthawareness #mhfa

Ashley Ditzler

Client Relationship Manager @ NXTThing RPO

2 年

Thank you for sharing this, Shelia!

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