Prioritizing Mental Health for Personal and Workplace Wellness

For those who are short on time today.

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Day, this newsletter explores actionable ways to prioritize mental health:

• Reducing Stigma: Combat stigma with open, nonjudgmental conversations and mental health workshops.
• Self-Care: Incorporate SAMHSA’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness, focusing on emotional, physical, social, and other forms of well-being.
• Workplace: Prioritize flexible working hours and mental health support programs, like EAPs, to reduce burnout.
• Recognizing Struggles: Watch for signs like mood swings and energy changes. Offer confidential check-ins and promote professional help.

Leaders must lead by example, modeling healthy mental health practices.

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The Full Newsletter

Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health

Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to mental health care. People often hesitate to seek help due to fear of personal and professional judgment or misunderstanding. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), reducing stigma starts with education and fostering open, nonjudgmental conversations. As Gestalt theory suggests, individuals are best understood when considering their whole environment. Therefore, stigma reduction requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual, social, and cultural factors.

I advise organizations and leaders to create safe spaces that encourage mental health conversations. By incorporating holistic strategies that consider the individual’s role in a collective environment, companies can foster psychological safety—an environment where employees feel supported and unafraid to share their struggles.

Practical steps for reducing stigma include offering resources such as mental health workshops, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and facilitating peer support networks. Focus on the “here and now” by addressing mental health in real time, creating an atmosphere where individuals can seek help without delay or fear of reprisal.

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The Role of Self-Care in Mental Wellness

Self-care is critical to maintaining mental health, and it is not just a personal responsibility but a collective one. Integrating regular self-care into your routine helps reduce stress, increase productivity, and prevent burnout. I use the SAMHSA’s eight dimensions of wellness to organize areas to monitor:

1. Emotional: Coping effectively with life and building satisfying relationships.
2. Physical: Recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, and sleep.
3. Social: Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a support system.
4. Spiritual: Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
5. Intellectual: Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge.
6. Occupational: Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work.
7. Financial: Satisfaction with current and future financial situations.
8. Environmental: Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments.

Self-care practices such as mindfulness, physical activity, and setting boundaries align help with focusing on the present moment, which can reduce anxiety and depression.

Pro Tip: Leaders should encourage regular self-care by providing wellness days or flexible work options, fostering a culture prioritizing mental health without stigma. If you need help with this topic, Pegasus Realm can help!

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Mental Health in the Workplace – Why It Matters

Mental health is directly linked to workplace performance, engagement, and satisfaction. Companies that prioritize mental health see increased productivity and lower turnover. A study from the Harvard Business Review highlights that organizations investing in employee mental health tend to foster a more resilient workforce, reducing absenteeism and improving overall team dynamics. Leaders must stress the importance of the "whole person" within workplace environments. It’s not just about productivity but also about understanding how personal and environmental factors influence mental well-being.

An example of innovative thinking in this space is the movement towards shorter workweeks. A TED Talk highlighted that adopting a 35-hour workweek can reduce burnout, improve mental health, and lead to a happier, more engaged workforce. Watch it here: TED Talk on 35-hour workweeks.

Supporting mental health in the workplace can take many forms—flexible working hours, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or encouraging work-life balance. By incorporating mental health as a core part of your company’s culture, leaders set a standard for prioritizing well-being.

Supporting mental health in the workplace can take many forms—flexible working hours, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or encouraging work-life balance. By incorporating mental health as a core part of your company’s culture, leaders set a standard for prioritizing well-being.

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Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Struggles

Recognizing the signs of mental health challenges early on is critical in offering timely support. According to Mental Health America (MHA), common indicators include changes in mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and social withdrawal. Leaders must be observant and empathetic, knowing everyone may exhibit different signs.

It is important to view people within context. Often, the environment or recent life changes can exacerbate stress or mental health challenges. Early intervention is crucial in preventing more severe conditions. If you notice a colleague or employee struggling, approach them with compassion and non-judgment. Please encourage them to seek help from mental health professionals, whether through workplace resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or external services.

Pro Tip: Offer confidential check-ins with team members and encourage a culture where admitting when you're struggling is okay. Promoting mental health resources regularly can help de-stigmatize the need for help. And with all things, leaders should lead by example whenever possible. Employees are apprehensive of the services offered, which leaders don’t engage with personally.

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References:

• World Health Organization (2023). Mental Health and Stigma Reduction.
• National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Self-Care and Mental Wellness.
• Harvard Business Review (2022). The Impact of Mental Health on Workplace Productivity.
• Mental Health America (2023). Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Struggles.
• TED Talk (2023). 35-Hour Workweek to Improve Mental Health and Productivity. Watch here.