Kristin Durney of Mental Wellness Unleashed and Bonnie Cook of Mental Health America (MHA) of Greater Dallas led a great discussion on the importance of mental health and how leaders can successfully navigate the topic in the workplace. They discussed breaking the stigma around mental health and ways employers can promote a healthy relationship with mental health in the workplace.
HIGH PROFILE’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- There is a stigma in our society surrounding mental health. There are many more mental health conditions than just anxiety or depression. Every person has mental health, but there is still a stigma around mental health conditions and an unwillingness to openly discuss it. Mental health conditions are treatable, but people wait until they are in crisis mode to address and treat it.
- We need to equate physical health and mental health. We openly talk about physical health and one of the ways to break the stigma around mental health is to be just as open about it.
- Myths and misconceptions contribute to the stigma around mental health. One vital misconception is that companies and organizations don’t need to have mental health programs and initiatives. For every $1 spent investing in employees’ mental health, there is a $4 return in productivity.
- Depression and anxiety are the leading disabilities in the U.S. and contribute to a one trillion-dollar loss in health and productivity each year.
- The Notice-Talk-Act formula is key to starting the conversation surrounding mental health. Leaders and HR professionals need to pay attention to their employees’ behaviors and productivity. If there are signs of mental health issues, pull the employee aside for an empathetic conversation to discuss what’s happening. After the conversation, it’s important to have an action plan (get them involved with Employee Assistance Programs, involve non-profits, etc.).
- Language is also important in these conversations. Depersonalize the situation so the person does not feel singled out and alone. Instead of “illness” use the word “condition” just like we do with physical health issues; also change the language from “I have” to “I am diagnosed with.”
- There are multiple steps, tools, and resources companies can utilize to promote mental health in the workplace.
- MHA provides anonymous, online assessments covering all types of mental health conditions and provides resources based on the assessment results.
- Provide literature (brochures, blogs, articles) to promote educational awareness around mental health to employees.
- Introduce robust Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for both mental health and physical health.
- Train management to notice the signs of mental health and how to address them.
- Implement no-cost or low-cost benefits programs that include mental health counseling and medications.
- Allow flexible scheduling for therapy sessions and allow time off for mental health.
Kristin Durney is the Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Consultant for Mental Wellness Unleashed. She is also a seasoned corporate HR executive with over 20 years of experience. Kristin has worked for mostly large Fortune 500 companies leading HR organizations. She works with leaders, individuals, and teams by implementing programs, tools, and techniques to cultivate a mentally healthy culture through self-management and self-care. Kristin is a coach, facilitator, and motivational speaker across multiple industries, organizations, and audiences. Connect with her on LinkedIn today.
Bonnie Cook is the President and CEO of Mental Health America of Greater Dallas. Bonnie has over 25 years’ experience working in the field of mental health. Bonnie has an extensive background in non-profit management, strategic community partnerships, and workplace wellness. Her life’s mission is to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness. Connect with her on LinkedIn today.