Thoughts and Observations about Mental Health

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), 18.3% of all adults in the U.S. (44.7 million people) suffer from either anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Additionally, the American Psychological Association reports that 71% of adults say they have had at least one symptom of stress, such as a headache or feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Per the World Health Organization (WHO)…“mental, neurological, and substance use disorders make up 10% of the global burden of disease and 30% of non-fatal disease burden.” A 2022 survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic reports 82% of all people now believe mental health should be treated with the same priority as physical health, though at this time only 44% of those with a mental health condition report receiving either curative, palliative or preventative treatments such as therapy, medication, counseling, support groups, meditation, exercise or if necessary, in extreme cases, a hospital or residential treatment program.

The World Health Organization reports … “In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common. In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.?Initial estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year.”

With stress for many either created or exasperated in a large part by the Covid pandemic over the past three years, as well as the war in Ukraine, natural/climatic disasters, crime and violence, supply chain shortages, global economic fluctuations, family financial problems, and recent job layoff announcements, the mental wellness of employees in the workplace is a significantly growing factor with employers evaluating how they can properly provide internal support and resources as well as external-generated benefits to contribute to company productivity as well as to an individual’s quality of life.

A growing number of employers are determining if and how they can incorporate mental wellness initiatives along with that of inclusion, equity and diversity. Furthermore, they are considering how to properly address addressing the shame and embarrassment experienced by many in the workplace and society in general who are suffering with mental health issues.

To contribute to the very pertinent discussion taking place on Mental Health issues, here are some Thoughts and Observations about mental wellness and illnesses:

“The threat to employee wellbeing continues to intensify with 60% of the global workforce reporting at least one mental health challenge, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, or burnout, according to McKinsey. Company and HR leaders need to find solutions that address the mental health challenges their employees are facing. In 2023, mental health and well-being will continue to be a central focus, and a Gallup survey found that two out of three U.S. employers say they plan to make employee mental health, and emotional well-being programs and solutions that support it, one of their top three health priorities over the next three years.” Reported in TLNT-an ERE website covering Talent Management and Human Resources issues by Peter Crush – U.K. journalist, interim editor of TLNT.

“42% of people have experienced a decline in mental health. Specifically, 67% of people are experiencing increases in stress while 57% have increased anxiety, and 54% are emotionally exhausted. 53% of people are sad, 50% are irritable, 28% are having trouble concentrating, 20% are taking longer to finish tasks, 15% are having trouble thinking and 12% are challenged to juggle their responsibilities.”?Global study by Qualtrics reported in Forbes by Tracy Brower, PhD – U.S. sociologist studying work life fulfillment and happiness, Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase, author of “The Secrets to Happiness at Work” and “Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work”.

"Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going." Noam Shpancer – Israeli born/U.S. psychologist, professor of psychology at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, practicing clinician with the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology in Columbus, Ohio, specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, author of the novel “author of the novel “The Good Psychologist”.

“Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”?Nido Qubein – Lebanese/U.S. businessman, motivational speaker, president of High Point University (North Carolina).

“No amount of anxiety can change the future. No amount of regret can change the past.” Karen Salmansohn?- U.S. author, books on topics including anxiety, toxic people, emotional eating, relationships, meditation, and happiness.

“Mental health affects every aspect of your life. It’s not just this neat little issue you can put into a box.” Shannon Purser – U.S. actress.

“Mental health and mental illness are not the same thing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental illness refers to ‘conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior.’ These can include but aren’t limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Mental health reflects ‘our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.’ Affecting ‘how we think, feel, and act’ mental health has a strong impact on the way we interact with others, handle problems, and make decisions. Increasing understanding of mental health and mental illness can help eliminate stigma and other barriers that keep people from seeking help when they need it. This misunderstanding can be problematic, leading us to sometimes overlook signs that someone needs help. The CDC points out that many individuals with poor mental health have not been formally diagnosed with a mental illness. Also, many people who do have a diagnosed mental illness ‘can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.’ Moreover, people with psychiatric conditions can change over time, or their issue can be triggered by events and circumstances, both large and small. A lack of understanding or a mischaracterization of a mental health problem can discourage people from getting needed treatment. Moreover, blurring the lines between health and disease can cause people to misjudge, dismiss, or even stigmatize those who have a mental illness.”?McLean Hospital (Psychiatric hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, largest psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.)

Per the World Health Organization…“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” The WHO states that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is not only about managing active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and happiness. It also emphasizes that preserving and restoring mental health is crucial individually and at a community and society level. In the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that almost 1 in 5 adults experience mental health problems each year. In 2020, an estimated 14.2 million adults or about 5.6%, had a serious psychological condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” From Medical News Today (Dec 23, 2022) - Medically reviewed by Marney A. White – U.S. psychologist, epidemiologist — reported by Adam Felman – U.S. journalist, Editor for Medical News Today and Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito - Philippinian journalist.

The World Health Organization also provides a definition of mental wellness: “A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. World Health Organization.

Per the World Health Organization … “A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.?It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders.?Mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions. The latter is a broader term covering mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and (other) mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm. (…) Mental disorders as described by the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision:

·??????Anxiety Disorders

·??????Depression

·??????Bipolar Disorder

·??????Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

·??????Schizophrenia

·??????Eating Disorders

·??????Disruptive Behavior and Dissocial Disorders (Contact Disorder and Defiant Disorder)

·??????Neurodevelopmental Disorders (including disorders of Intellectual Development, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

While effective prevention and treatment options exists, most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care. Many people also experience stigma, discrimination, and violations of human rights.” World Health Organization.

“Should one of your employees have a physical or mental health problem, I would argue that it is as much something for the employer as the individual to contend with.”?Frans van Houten – Dutch businessman, former CEO at Royal Philips, Non-Executive Director at Novartis.

“We must bring the issue of mental illness out into the sunlight, out of the shadow, out of the closet, deal with it, treat people, have centers where people can get the necessary help.” John Lewis – U.S. politician, civil rights activist, served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020.

"Anyone can be affected [by mental illness] despite their level of success or their place on the food chain. In fact, there is a good chance you know someone who is struggling with it since nearly 20% of American adults face some form of mental illness in their lifetime. So why aren’t we talking about it?” Kristen Bell – U.S. actress, singer.

“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you can realize is that you’re not alone. You’re not the first to go through it, you’re not gonna be the last to go through it.” Dwayne Johnson – U.S. actor, producer, former professional wrestler.

"I think it’s really important to take the stigma away from mental health… My brain and my heart are really important to me. I don’t know why I wouldn’t seek help to have those things be as healthy as my teeth." Kerry Washington – U.S. actress.

“We all add to the stigma surrounding mental illness. I am not trying to call anyone out or make anyone feel bad, but in our own way, we all contribute to the stigma. It could be the way we think about other people with mental illness, or even the way we talk to ourselves about our own struggles.” Kati Morton – Hungarian/U.S author, journalist.

“It is okay to have depression, it is okay to have anxiety and it is okay to have an adjustment disorder. We need to improve the conversation. We all have mental health in the same way we all have physical health. (…) The experience I have had is that once you start talking about (experiencing a mental health struggle) you realize you’re part of quite a big club.” Prince Harry - member of the British royal family, currently living in the U.S., co-founded Archewell Inc., an American public organization focusing on non-profit activities and creative media ventures.

“Mental health is just as important as…physical health and deserves the same quality of support.” Kate Middleton - member of the British royal family.

“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: It is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’” C. S. Lewis – U.K writer, Anglican lay theologian, held academic positions in English literature at both University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.

“When mental health is ultimately recognized as essential to physical health, not an extraneous element of it, then we will have access to true, complete, modern medicine.” John Campo – U.S. academic, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Professor and Division Director for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vice President at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Director of Mental Health for the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

“We would never tell someone with a broken leg that they should stop wallowing and get it together. We don’t consider taking medication for an ear infection something to be ashamed of. We shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently. (…) Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we’re scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don’t have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.” Michelle Obama – U.S. attorney, author, former U.S. first lady.

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Siddhartha Gautama - commonly known as the Buddha, a wandering ascetic and religious teacher in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE, founded Buddhism.

“We need, ultimately, to be able to view mental health with the same clear-headedness we show when talking about physical health.”?Matt Haig – U.K. journalist, novelist.

“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of the world but those who fight and win battles that others do not know anything about.” Jonathan Harnisch – U.S. writer.

“The only journey is the journey within.” Rainer Maria Rilke – Austrian writer.

“Through my years of change and transformation as a CEO, there has always been one consistent component that makes me effective in my role: empathy. Empathy in the workplace has always been a critical skill for leaders, but it is now taking on a new level of meaning and priority as we enter year three of the pandemic and face unprecedented global challenges that cause us to live in a state of uncertainty. In my eyes, an empathetic leader is someone who has honed the skill of recognizing the emotional needs of others and is able to use this skill to empower, support and understand their team. When leaders instill empathy in the workplace, they can recognize when their employees are struggling. These leaders understand how to coach employees through difficult situations and show care and support for their employees’ well-being. (…) At the end of the day, companies are built on the strength of the collective community, so it’s crucial for leaders to make sure each individual on the team is comfortable and feels supported. As we go through difficult circumstances, struggle with burnout or find it hard to feel fulfilled at work, empathy and the sense of connection it provides between co-workers can be a formidable antidote.”?Yong Kim – South Korean born/U.S. entrepreneur, CEO (Chief Empathy Officer) and co-founder of Wonolo.

“You always knew demonstrating empathy is positive for people, but new research demonstrates its importance for everything from innovation to retention. Great leadership requires a fine mix of all kinds of skills to create the conditions for engagement, happiness and performance, and empathy tops the list of what leaders must get right. The reason empathy is so necessary is that people are experiencing multiple kinds of stress, and data suggests it is affected by the pandemic—and the ways our lives and our work have been turned upside down.” Tracy Brower – U.S. sociologist studying work on life fulfillment and happiness, Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase, author of “The Secrets to Happiness at Work” and “Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work”.

“There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective. There are seven billion versions of normal on this planet.” Matt Haig - Matt Haig – U.K. journalist, novelist.

“In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” Abraham Maslow – U.S. psychologist who created Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization.

“Advances in artificial intelligence — such as Chat GPT — are increasingly being looked to as a way to help screen for, or support, people who dealing with isolation, or mild depression or anxiety. Human emotions are tracked, analyzed and responded to, using machine learning that tries to monitor a patient's mood, or mimic a human therapist's interactions with a patient. It's an area garnering lots of interest, in part because of its potential to overcome the common kinds of financial and logistical barriers to care. (…) There is, of course, still plenty of debate and skepticism about the capacity of machines to read or respond accurately to the whole spectrum of human emotion — and the potential pitfalls of when the approach fails.?(…) ‘Technology has gotten good at identifying and labeling emotions fairly accurately, based on motion and facial expressions, a person's online activity, phrasing and vocal tone’, says Rosalind Picard, director of MIT's Affective Computing Research Group. ‘We know we can elicit the feeling that the AI cares for you," she says. But, because all AI systems actually do is respond based on a series of inputs, people interacting with the systems often find that longer conversations ultimately feel empty, sterile and superficial.’ While AI may not fully simulate one-on-one individual counseling, its proponents say there are plenty of other existing and future uses where it could be used to support or improve human counseling. "In order to address this huge mental health crisis we have in our nation — and even globally — I think digital treatments and AI can play a role in that, and at least fill some of that gap in the shortage of providers and resources that people have," says Washington University orthopedist Abby Cheng.” Reported by Yuki Noguchi – U.S. journalist, Science Desk Correspondent for NPR Radio.

“When people are on the receiving end of rudeness at work, their performance suffers and they are less likely to help others. And a new study at Georgetown University found workplace incivility is rising and the effects are extensive, including reduced performance and collaboration, deteriorating customer experiences and increased turnover.”?Study published in the Academy of Management Journal.

“A study of 889 employees by Catalyst found empathy has some significant constructive effects: Innovation - When people reported their leaders were empathetic, they were more likely to report they were able to be innovative—61% of employees compared to only 13% of employees with less empathetic leaders. Engagement - 76% of people who experienced empathy from their leaders reported they were engaged compared with only 32% who experienced less empathy. Retention - 57% of white women and 62% of women of color said they were unlikely to think of leaving their companies when they felt their life circumstances were respected and valued by their companies. However, when they didn’t feel that level of value or respect for their life circumstances, only 14% and 30% of white women and women of color respectively said they were unlikely to consider leaving. Inclusivity. 50% of people with empathetic leaders reported their workplace was inclusive, compared with only 17% of those with less empathetic leadership. Work-Life. When people felt their leaders were more empathetic, 86% reported they are able to navigate the demands of their work and life—successfully juggling their personal, family and work obligations. This is compared with 60% of those who perceived less empathy. Cooperation is also a factor. According to a study published in Evolutionary Biology, when empathy was introduced into decision making, it increased cooperation and even caused people to be more empathetic. Empathy fostered more empathy. (…) Empathy contributes to positive relationships and organizational cultures and it also drives results. Empathy may not be a brand new skill, but it has a new level of importance and the fresh research makes it especially clear how empathy is the leadership competency to develop and demonstrate now and in the future of work.” Tracy Brower – U.S. sociologist studying work life fulfillment and happiness, Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase, author of “The Secrets to Happiness at Work” and “Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work”.

“Consequently, actions that successfully improve the overall mental health of the population are likely to be accompanied by other important benefits to society.” Elliott Goldner – Canadian academic, Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, British Columbia), Emily Jenkins – U.S. healthcare consultant, and Dan Bilsker – Canadian cognitive behavioral therapist, director at Vancouver Psych Safety Consulting Inc.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross – Swiss/U.S. psychiatrist.

"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within." Maya Angelou – U.S writer, civil rights activist.

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." Albus Dumbledore - fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, during most of the series he is the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts.

“Your mental health matters. It's the basis for everything we do, and it affects every aspect of our lives. That's why being intentional about valuing your mental well-being will help you connect deeper with others, reduce anxiety and boost your confidence. (…) Try adding these seven strategies to your life to upgrade your happiness.?

1.??????Make relaxation a routine. (…) Meditation is a popular way to relax as it can help reach a state of calm, decrease stress and improve your mood. Some people even use music to guide them through their meditation sessions. If meditation isn't your thing, deep breathing, reading or taking a bubble bath are also popular relaxation techniques.

2.??????Practice gratitude. (…) Gratitude is a simple concept, but sometimes difficult to keep up with. In 2023, take time for self-reflection and share your gratitude with the people around you. If you like to journal, regularly write down a list of things you're grateful for.

3.??????Value social interaction. (...) By making time for friends and family, you will decrease feelings of loneliness and ensure you have an emotional support system at your fingertips.

4.??????Take care of your physical health. Mental health is directly tied to physical health -- one cannot flourish without the other. The three main areas to target for 2023 are sleep, nutrition (food and hydration) and exercise.

5.??????Monitor your social media intake. (…) The hours spent scrolling through social media, comparing ourselves to the snapshot of perfection people post, can seriously impact our self-view and stain our mental health. Constant social media use has been linked to worsened anxiety and depression symptoms, feelings of inadequacy and unhealthy sleeping habits.

6.??????Journal your feelings. (…) A 2018 study found that journaling for 15 minutes each day significantly reduced stress and feelings of anxiety. Other research has linked it to helping work through PTSD symptoms or depression.?

7.??????Make yourself laugh. Sometimes, laughter is the best medicine. When you're feeling stressed or down, do things that will make you laugh to reduce anxiety and stress. Watch your favorite TV show or movie to give your mood a boost. Or find the source within yourself. Sing while you're in the shower or dance while cleaning your home. Dancing reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body.?Improving your mental health is a journey; it doesn't happen overnight. You can make lasting tweaks to your well-being by intentionally adding habits to your routine.”?Taylor Leamey – U.S. journalist, Health and Wellness Writer for CNET.

“What Is Mental Health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

·??????Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

·??????Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:

·??????Eating or sleeping too much or too little

·??????Pulling away from people and usual activities

·??????Having low or no energy

·??????Feeling numb or like nothing matters

·??????Having unexplained aches and pains

·??????Feeling helpless or hopeless

·??????Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual

·??????Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared

·??????Yelling or fighting with family and friends

·??????Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

·??????Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head

·??????Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

·??????Thinking of harming yourself or others

·??????Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

·??????Learn more about specific mental health problems and where to find help.

·??????Positive mental health allows people to:

·??????Realize their full potential

·??????Cope with the stresses of life

·??????Work productively

·??????Make meaningful contributions to their communities

Ways to maintain positive mental health include:

·??????Getting professional help if you need it

·??????Connecting with others

·??????Staying positive

·??????Getting physically active

·??????Helping others

·??????Getting enough sleep

·??????Developing coping skills” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

“Many people with mental health disorders also need care for other physical health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and disorders that affect muscles, bones, and joints. The costs for treating people with both mental health disorders and other physical conditions are 2 to 3 times higher than for those without co-occurring illnesses. By combining medical and behavioral health care services, the United States could save $37.6 billion to $67.8 billion a year. About 63% of Americans are part of the US labor force. The workplace can be a key location for activities designed to improve well-being among adults. Workplace wellness programs can identify those at risk and connect them to treatment and put in place supports to help people reduce and manage stress. By addressing mental health issues in the workplace, employers can reduce health care costs for their businesses and employees.

Poor mental health and stress can negatively affect employee:

·??????Job performance and productivity.

·??????Engagement with one’s work.

·??????Communication with coworkers.

·??????Physical capability and daily functioning.

Mental illnesses such as depression are associated with higher rates of disability and unemployment. Depression interferes with a person’s ability to complete physical job tasks about 20% of the time and reduces cognitive performance about 35% of the time. Only 57% of employees who report moderate depression and 40% of those who report severe depression receive treatment to control depression symptoms. Even after taking other health risks—like smoking and obesity—into account, employees at high risk of depression had the highest health care costs during the 3 years after an initial health risk assessment. Employers can promote awareness about the importance of mental health and stress management. Workplace health promotion programs have proven to be successful, especially when they combine mental and physical health interventions.

The workplace is an optimal setting to create a culture of health because:

·??????Communication structures are already in place.

·??????Programs and policies come from one central team.

·??????Social support networks are available.

·??????Employers can offer incentives to reinforce healthy behaviors.

·??????Employers can use data to track progress and measure the effects.

Action steps employers can take include:

·??????Make mental health self-assessment tools available to all employees.

·??????Offer free or subsidized clinical screenings for depression from a qualified mental health professional, followed by directed feedback and clinical referral when appropriate.

·??????Offer health insurance with no or low out-of-pocket costs for depression medications and mental health counseling.

·??????Provide free or subsidized lifestyle coaching, counseling, or self-management programs.

·??????Distribute materials, such as brochures, fliers, and videos, to all employees about the signs and symptoms of poor mental health and opportunities for treatment.

·??????Host seminars or workshops that address depression and stress management techniques, like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditation, to help employees reduce anxiety and stress and improve focus and motivation.

·??????Create and maintain dedicated, quiet spaces for relaxation activities.

·??????Provide managers with training to help them recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and depression in team members and encourage them to seek help from qualified mental health professionals.

·??????Give employees opportunities to participate in decisions about issues that affect job stress.

Many Businesses provide employees with resources to improve mental health and stress management:

Prudential Financial:

·??????Monitors the effect of supervisors on worker well-being, especially when supervisors change.

·??????Conducts ongoing, anonymous surveys to learn about attitudes toward managers, senior executives, and the company as a whole.

·??????Normalizes discussion of mental health by having senior leadership share personal stories in video messages.

TiER1 Performance:

·??????Focuses on six key health issues: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addictions as part of its Start the Conversation about Mental Illness awareness campaign.

·??????Provides resources to assess risk, find information, and get help or support using multiple formats to increase visibility and engagement. For example, information is provided as infographics, e-mails, weekly table tents with reflections and challenges, and videos (educational and storytelling).

Beehive PR:

·??????Maintains the “InZone,” a dedicated quiet room that is not connected to a wireless internet signal, which gives employees a place to recharge.

·??????Combines professional and personal growth opportunities through goal-setting, one-on-one coaching, development sessions, and biannual retreats.

Tripler Army Medical Center:

·??????Requires resiliency training to reduce burnout and increase skills in empathy and compassion for staff members who are in caregiver roles.

·??????Training sessions mix classroom-style lectures, role-playing, yoga, and improvisational comedy to touch on multiple learning styles.

Certified Angus Beef LLC:

·??????Provides free wellness consultations by an on-site clinical psychologist. Employees do not have to take leave to access these services.

·??????Holds lunchtime learning sessions to reduce stigma about mental health and the services available to employees.

·??????Offers quarterly guided imagery relaxation sessions to teach stress management strategies.

Houston Texans NFL Football Team:

·??????Provides comprehensive and integrated physical, mental, and behavioral health insurance coverage, including round-the-clock access to employee assistance program (EAP) services.

·??????Extends EAP access to anyone living in an employee’s home, with dedicated programming for those who are caring for children or elderly parents.

(For) strategies for managing mental health and stress in the workplace, health care providers can:

·??????Ask patients about any depression or anxiety and recommend screenings, treatment, and services as appropriate.

·??????Include clinical psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals as part of core treatment teams to provide comprehensive, holistic care.

Public health researchers can:

·??????Develop a “how-to” guide to help in the design, implementation, and evaluation of workplace health programs that address mental health and stress issues.

·??????Create a mental health scorecard that employers can use to assess their workplace environment and identify areas for intervention.

·??????Develop a recognition program that rewards employers who demonstrate evidence-based improvements in metrics of mental health and well-being and measurable business results.

·??????Establish training programs in partnership with business schools to teach leaders how to build and sustain a mentally healthy workforce.

Community leaders and businesses can:

·??????Promote mental health and stress management educational programs to working adults through public health departments, parks and recreational agencies, and community centers.

·??????Support community programs that indirectly reduce risks, for example, by increasing access to affordable housing, opportunities for physical activity (like sidewalks and trails), tools to promote financial well-being, and safe and tobacco-free neighborhoods.

·??????Create a system that employees, employers, and health care providers can use to find community-based programs (for example, at churches and community centers) that address mental health and stress management.

Federal and state governments can:

·??????Provide tool kits and materials for organizations and employers delivering mental health and stress management education.

·??????Provide courses, guidance, and decision-making tools to help people manage their mental health and well-being.

·??????Collect data on workers’ well-being and conduct prevention and biomedical research to guide ongoing public health innovations.

·??????Promote strategies designed to reach people in underserved communities, such as the use of community health workers to help patients access mental health and substance abuse prevention services from local community groups (for example, churches and community centers).

CDC’s Workplace Health Resource Center (WHRC) is a one-stop shop for organizations of all sizes to find credible tools, guides, case studies, and other?resources to design, develop, use, evaluate, and sustain workplace health programs.

Employees can:

·??????Encourage employers to offer mental health and stress management education and programs that meet their needs and interests, if they are not already in place.

·??????Participate in employer-sponsored programs and activities to learn skills and get the support they need to improve their mental health.

·??????Serve as dedicated wellness champions and participate in trainings on topics such as financial planning and how to manage unacceptable behaviors and attitudes in the workplace as a way to help others, when appropriate.

·??????Share personal experiences with others to help reduce stigma, when appropriate.

·??????Be open-minded about the experiences and feelings of colleagues. Respond with empathy, offer peer support, and encourage others to seek help.

·??????Adopt behaviors that promote stress management and mental health.

·??????Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

·??????Take part in activities that promote stress management and relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or tai chi.

·??????Build and nurture real-life, face-to-face social connections.

·??????Take the time to reflect on positive experiences and express happiness and gratitude.

·??????Set and work toward personal, wellness, and work-related goals and ask for help when it is needed.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“It is not the bruises on the body that hurt. It is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind.” Aisha Mirza – U.S. writer.

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage, Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” Brené Brown – U.S. professor, author, podcast host.

“One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart.” Linda Poindexter – U.S. writer.

“I cannot stand the words ‘Get over it’. All of us are under such pressure to put our problems in the past tense. Slow down. Don’t allow others to hurry your healing. It is a process, one that may take years, occasionally, even a lifetime – and that’s OK.” Beau Taplin – Australian writer.

“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” Matt Haig –?U.K. journalist, novelist.

The advice I’d give to somebody that’s silently struggling is, you don’t have to live that way. You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. You can live well with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it, because it’s really important you share your experience with people so that you can get the help that you need.” Demi Lovato – U.S. singer.

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” Fred Rogers – U.S. television host, author, producer, Presbyterian minister, created and hosted the television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” Glenn Close – U.S. actress.

“Mental health is an area where people are embarrassed. They don’t want to talk about it because somehow they feel they’re a failure as a parent or, you know, they’re embarrassed for their child or they want to protect their child, lots of very good reasons, but mental health, I feel, is something that you have to talk about.” Anna Wintour – U.K. journalist based in New York City, editor-in-Chief of Vogue and Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast.

“There isn’t anybody out there who doesn’t have a mental health issue, whether it’s depression, anxiety, or how to cope with relationships. Having OCD is not an embarrassment anymore – for me. Just know that there is help and your life could be better if you go out and seek the help.” Howie Mandel - Canadian comedian, television personality, actor, producer.

"Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh, character created by A. A. Milne – U.K. writer.

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.” Anonymous proverb.

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