Let’s talk about mental health

We are seeing mental health implications on a global scale. Political unrest, racism, economic injustice, social isolation, and remote work, to name a few. But, unfortunately, as most of us learn to handle our first pandemic, we are not learning to adjust to what is being called the “second pandemic.”

You may have checked in with your employees a lot in the past two years, but as we accessed the necessary resources and strategies for handling their stress, the fact is, many of us are struggling more, not less.

Talking about mental health can feel challenging and sometimes impossible, at worst. The reality is the less we talk about mental health in the workplace, the more the stigma grows – and it allows for the growth of a vicious cycle. Addressing these conversations, or lack of conversations, impacts how we think and feel about our mental health and others.

Leaders at all levels can bring the mental health conversation to the table. Talking about mental health while inviting others to do the same can allow for a collaborative and open space to discuss what you and your employees need in the way of improving mental health. Conversations like these can lead to better performance, employee retention, engagement, and overall wellbeing.

Typically leaders tackle difficult situations by finding resolutions to complex problems, but people don’t need to be fixed by you. To feel their best, employees need to see you as a mental health ally or resource to support. It would be best if you were the way to help instead of being a way to the solution.

You must be listening … like really listening. If you make a space that allows your employees to feel heard and respected, you need to be sure you listen to them.

• Always be clear that you intend to listen.
• Focus on actively pushing away your approving or disapproving thoughts. Let your mind be in the now while you listen.
• Listen with both your eyes and your ears. If you are in a remote environment, it is essential to be on video. Sometimes physical cues can be as crucial to the conversation as verbal ones.

Your willingness to make space for these kinds of conversations about mental health is the kind of gift that your team needs right now.