Mental Health Awareness Month: Your Job Title Doesn’t Matter

May marks #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. It spotlights mental health issues, including the stigmas that accompany them. Hashtags flood our social media timelines with tips and strategies, which is great. But “mental health” is a year-round topic, not a fashionable cause. I know this, and I think you do too.

I write about this topic often. That’s not true. The words don’t transfer from brain to page. I’m THINKING about it, though. As a wise friend once shared with me, “Mental health is what I do.” (Even though I’m an editor.) Jokes! A coping mechanism for some to keep the bad feelings away.

If you’ve read any of my LinkedIn notes, then you already know I struggle week to week (with a few joyful moments sprinkled in). Sometimes, there is an obvious reason; other times there isn’t. Mental health doesn’t always have to make sense. However, it can affect our relationships and interactions with others — whether those are personal or professional. Arguments pick up. Self-criticism intensifies. Work suffers.

Is it weird to briefly address this on LinkedIn? Maybe. But it all ties together. I believe people should cope in ways that work best for them. Admittedly, I hope those ways are healthy. It’s really not my place to judge.

Just promise me this: Remember to slow down and check in with yourself, or whoever makes you feel safe. Know that it’s OK to say more than “I’m fine” if you’re not. Your family will thank you. Your friends will thank you. Your customers will thank you. But you should thank yourself. If you’re unable to today, do it when you’re ready — even if that’s in September.