WTS-Boston's DEI in Motion: Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in May 1949 to shed light on the complexities of mental well-being and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. This month serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and support.
Mental health is a cornerstone of our overall well-being, influencing every aspect of our lives from relationships to work performance. In recent years, there has been a gradual shift towards openness regarding mental health. One of the primary goals of Mental Health Awareness Month is to encourage dialogue. By fostering conversations about mental health, we create supportive environments where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and seek help. Recently, organizations have been dedicated to raising awareness on mental well-being during Mental Health Awareness Month by hosting events, providing employees with free memberships to mindfulness apps, subsidies for gym memberships, and other strategies.
We spend the majority of our days in our place of work; therefore, it is essential to adopt strategies to look after our mental health in the workplace. Incorporating breaks as part of our work schedule is vital in cultivating healthy work habits. Whether it is a 5-minute break every hour or a thirty-minute lunch, breaks help us get a change in scenery and re-shift the focus to our well-being. Some employers now offer Mental Health/Wellness days off, which are immensely beneficial in keeping our mental health in check and enhancing overall productivity despite the stress associated with taking breaks.
Additional measures to de-stress at the workplace include talking about your mental well-being, staying active by walking/biking to work, reading or listening to a podcast during your commute, and eating a well-balanced meal.
As colleagues, there are various ways in which we can be present for others in the workplace who are experiencing mental health challenges. Actively listening to our colleagues by engaging in meaningful conversations, validating their feelings, and routinely checking-in can be beneficial to developing a strong sense of belonging in the workplace. As a team manager, talk to your team about mental health and encourage opportunities to de-stress and promote the use of organizational resources aimed at enhancing mental wellbeing.
Check out the following organizations and resources for more information about Mental Health Awareness Month: