Shining a Light via Slack
Shining a Light via Slack, Lauren R - Software Engineer

Shining a Light via Slack

Being open about how you’re feeling can be hard to do but when you have a space to do just that it becomes a little easier. At Panorama we create these spaces within private Slack channels. We have one channel where we can talk openly about mental health and another where those of us who identify as neurodivergent can feel safe to share our stories. I feel especially supported by my team in these spaces and I get to give that support back.

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Getting a mental health diagnosis can be alienating if you don’t have anyone you feel you can share this with, judgment-free. In these Slack channels, we have normalized sharing our diagnoses if we are comfortable doing so. For me, this has led to having honest discussions about symptoms and treatment and being able to offer and receive support from team members with the same or similar diagnoses. We share resources and are open about what has and hasn’t worked for us personally. Another wonderful thing about these channels is that we feel safe to share when we aren’t doing well.

These posts are so relatable and real and result in colorful rows of supportive emojis including a Panorama favorite, green hearts. The threads of these emotional posts are full of care and understanding and, while they may not cure a bad day, they certainly make it a little more bearable.

It’s freeing to have a place to be able to talk about the things that can make you feel different and realize that you all have so much in common. Sometimes these channels are a place to rant about a tough time or an aggravating symptom and other times you can find a laugh in the form of a highly relatable meme. These spaces have helped me feel like I belong because I know I’m not alone in what I’m going through. It’s so powerful to be surrounded by people that understand, especially when it comes to things that can be hard to talk about. I greatly value these spaces and the honesty and acceptance that they bring to Panorama.

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