Nurturing Mental Health and Resilience: Transforming Environments for Success and Well-being

Background:

In the wake of the heart-breaking news surrounding a McKinsey employee's suicide, it has become evident that the conversation about mental health and well-being must transcend the confines of professional settings. This issue permeates every facet of our lives, from family dynamics to academic institutions to community interactions, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

The tragedy at McKinsey serves as a stark reminder of the immense pressures individuals face in conforming to societal norms of success. Whether it is conforming to family values and norms, the relentless pursuit of academic achievements or the demands of a high-pressure work environment, the toll on mental and emotional well-being is undeniable.

Understanding the Complexity:

At the core of this issue lies a complex interplay between societal expectations and individual coping mechanisms. Each environment, whether it be family, academia, community, or workplace, imposes its own set of norms and standards for success. Unfortunately, these expectations can be rigid and unforgiving, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and inadequate if they fail to meet them. In every environment, individuals face immense pressure to conform to societal norms of success, often at the expense of their mental and emotional well-being.

Individuals have not been taught to develop the ability to react to the environment's demands and norms. Sometimes when you are unable to cope, if you cannot fit in, or you cannot crack the code, you develop a sense of hopelessness leading to depression. Leaving is not an option due to student loans, family pressure, peer comparisons and the measure of esteem in the eyes of peers. You do not want to be labelled as a failure. Left alone without support, individuals either survive and learn to cope, in positive and limited ways by learning from their past or watching others, or they learn coping mechanisms like substance abuse or retaliation with bullying, physical and mental abuse.

Moreover, the stigma surrounding mental health only exacerbates the problem. While physical illnesses are often met with sympathy and support, mental health issues are frequently misunderstood and stigmatized. This societal attitude discourages individuals from seeking help and perpetuates a cycle of silence and suffering.

Admittance of having mental health issues is seen as a sign of weakness. Physical ill health is normalised but mental ill health is not. Mental health issues are ignored, swept under the carpet, people are called weak, or "mental," sometimes are bullied or plainly told to suck it up. Hence people do not share or come forward with their mental health issues.

Redefining Success:

It is crucial that we prioritize mental health and resilience across all environments. One of the fundamental shifts we must embrace is redefining success. Success should not be solely measured by external achievements and accolades, but rather success should be redefined to include personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being. By broadening our definition of success, we create space for individuals to explore alternative paths that align with their values and passions.

Fostering Resilience Across Environments:

Central to addressing this issue is the cultivation of resilience. From a young age, individuals should be equipped with the skills to cope with failure, navigate challenges, and bounce back from setbacks. Individuals are not taught how to navigate failure or explore alternative paths when faced with adversity. Instead, there is a prevailing belief that success is synonymous with conformity, leaving little room for individuality or exploration.

Lack of Support and Training:

Training is not given to cope with failure, to develop resilience or people are not allowed to leave or change their path. People are not told that it is okay to fall mentally ill occasionally. In every environment, across the developmental life cycle, starting from family to academic to community to professional, people are not taught resilience, learning from failure, ability to look at alternative paths, or given space and support to cope mentally and emotionally. Support is not given to provide and accept alternate paths commensurate with vocation, skills, and abilities.

This requires comprehensive education and support systems that extend beyond the classroom and into the home, workplace, and community. There is the lack of adequate support and training in building resilience and coping mechanisms.

Additionally, parents, teachers, peers, and managers often lack the sensitivity, awareness and empathy needed to recognize and support those struggling with mental health issues. The pressure to perform and meet expectations can overshadow concerns for well-being, creating a toxic cycle of stress and burnout. Managers are under pressure to deliver. Even parents succumb to peer pressure, the need to show off and the need for future security. Managers have more at risk if they (and their teams) underperform or lose their jobs, hence the vicious cycle of the pressure to deliver goes up and down the organisation. Failure is not an option.

We need to implement comprehensive education and support systems to help individuals cope with failure, navigate challenges, and explore alternative paths that align with their skills and passions. This includes providing managers, parents, teachers, and community leaders with the tools and training to recognize and support those facing mental health issues.

Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health:

A significant barrier to seeking help is the stigma surrounding mental health. Too often, individuals suffer in silence, fearing judgment or reprisal. We must work to dismantle this stigma by fostering open and honest conversations about mental health and providing resources for those in need.

The Role of Mental Health Professionals:

To address these systemic issues, there is a crucial need for mental health professionals at every level of society. These professionals provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to address their mental health concerns and develop effective coping strategies. Like doctors, they possess the expertise to guide individuals through both short-term crises and long-term well-being and coping strategies. As with physical health, there is a need for proactive (preventive) as well as reactive strategies.

Mental Health professionals can help in creating more supportive environments by understanding and coordinating the often-conflicting needs of all stakeholders. Families, academic institutions, peer groups, and professional organizations must prioritize mental health and well-being. This involves not only providing access to mental health resources but also fostering a culture of openness, empathy, and support. This requires professional help and consultation. Just like we have community health programmes, a system of nurses, primary health care centres and specialist hospitals, there needs to be a system of managers/ parents/ teachers being primary counsellors, HR/ professional counsellors/ school counsellors being secondary counsellors, and clinical psychologists/ psychiatrists and mental health institutes being the next level.

Most mental health professionals are deeply passionate about promoting mental health and resilience. They are trained to provide support and consultation to individuals and organizations looking to create healthier environments. Together, such professionals, individuals and social structures can work towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding.

Let us prioritize mental health and resilience in all aspects of life. Reach out to me if you would like to discuss how we can collaboratively make a positive impact and create a more supportive society for everyone. Many lives can be saved, and overall happiness can be increased.