You Are Not Alone: Mental Health at Work

We all go through ups and downs in our mental health.?

However, struggling with it at work can be a real challenge. Some days, taking a shower and getting dressed to be in an office or on camera can feel like a huge challenge, let alone completing complex tasks or attending meetings.?

It's tough to feel like you're putting on a brave face every day when what you really need is support and understanding.

If you’re currently struggling with your mental health at work, know that you’re not alone. Here are some things that have helped us out at Inclusivv.

Speak to someone you trust

Have you ever felt like your mental health was affecting your work? It can be tough to navigate on your own, which is why it's important to speak to someone you trust about it.?

Sharing your struggles with a coworker or supervisor can help them understand where you're coming from and potentially provide support or accommodations to make things easier for you. Of course, it's important to choose who you confide in carefully and make sure they're equipped to handle the situation with confidentiality, empathy, and an open mind.

So give yourself grace and don't be afraid to have an open conversation with someone who cares about you—it could make all the difference in the world!

Start the conversation

You spend the majority of your day at work, so it's essential that you feel comfortable talking about your mental well-being. Sometimes you may feel like you have to keep your struggles to yourself, but having a supportive workplace can make a huge difference.?

Whether it’s talking openly about your experiences or checking in with colleagues who may be struggling, making mental health part of the conversation at work can help break down stigma and create a more compassionate and understanding workplace culture.

So why not start small? Maybe ask a coworker how they’re doing or share some resources you’ve found helpful yourself. Remember, mental health affects us all in some way or another, and there's nothing wrong with seeking help when you need it.

• Join Inclusivv Membership and attend a Mental Health conversation in May

Utilize resources

It's important to take care of your mental health, especially in the workplace. Many companies offer resources for their employees to support their mental well-being, such as employee assistance programs, counseling services, or stress management workshops. Don't hesitate to ask if these resources are available to you if you're feeling overwhelmed at work or struggling with personal issues that are impacting you.?

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. So go ahead, reach out for help if you need it—get the support you deserve!

Additional Public Resources:

• 988: Suicide and Crisis Hotline
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a non-profit organization that provides education, support, and advocacy for people with mental health conditions and their families. They offer a helpline that provides information, resources, and support to individuals who are struggling with mental health issues. The helpline can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by emailing [email protected].
• Mental Health America (MHA): MHA is a community-based non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and support to individuals with mental health conditions. They offer a variety of free resources, including a mental health screening tool, information on different mental health conditions, and support groups.

Take breaks

Taking breaks for your mental health while working is just as important as taking a break to grab a snack or stretch your legs. Pushing yourself too hard without any rest can lead to burnout and all sorts of other effects.?

So how can you make sure you're taking care of yourself? It's all about finding the right balance. Maybe that means taking a quick walk when things get stressful or closing your eyes and listening to some calming music during your lunch break. What’s important is that you find what works best for you – there is no right way to take a break!! The important thing is to recognize that taking breaks is crucial for both your personal well-being and productivity at work.?

Leave a comment below about your favorite way to de-stress after a long day. We’d love to hear!

Set boundaries

It's important to set boundaries for your mental health at work. This means taking steps to ensure that you're not overworked and stressed out, which can have a serious impact on your well-being both in and out of the office.?

Some strategies to consider might include enforcing strict breaks, asking for help or delegation when necessary, scheduling lunch breaks, and disconnecting from work email or messaging outside of business hours.?

By prioritizing your mental health and setting appropriate boundaries with coworkers and supervisors, you'll be able to stay focused, productive, and healthy without sacrificing your sanity in the process.

Inclusivv Tip: Remember, it’s okay to say “no.”

Want to have a conversation about mental health with your team?

We're here to support your team in any way we can when it comes to mental health. We understand that every team has different preferences, and that's why we offer both in-person and online conversations on the topic.?

If you’re interested, feel free to book time to chat with us—we'll be here for you every step of the way!