Mental health has become an increasing concern and is impacting more people as we all face the ongoing stress of living through a global pandemic. Studies estimate that almost 13% of the world’s population lives or has lived with a mental health disorder. Even more concerning is that mental health disorders – including anxiety, depression, substance addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia – continue to go largely unreported.

Mental health doesn’t just affect the quality of our personal and professional lives; it also affects our ability to stay safe and be productive. When we struggle with our mental health, our ability to think creatively and innovatively is reduced.

We need to act today and adopt a best-practice focus when it comes to mental health. This will ensure we’re well equipped with the skills needed to support our people-first culture. I’d like to share FIVE BEST PRACTICES that will foster a culture of positive mental health:

1. BE MORE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT about our mental health culture. We need to be aware of our own state of mental health and take the time to connect with each other and create a space for sharing and acceptance.
2. TRAINING AND EDUCATION will help us become capable of helping each other to have conversations that are traditionally left unsaid.
3. DESTIGMATIZING mental health is more important now than ever. We should all be able to say we’re going to see a therapist with the same comfort, confidence, and transparency as we would say we’re going to the dentist.
4. PROMOTE resources that are available to us and our families and remind everyone how easy they are to access.
5. ACCEPT that mental health disorders can impact anyone, at any time. It is important that we create a space where our Golden Rules of respect, trust, fairness, and care effectively support us all.

Embracing these five actions highlights your commitment to fostering a healthy work environment!