Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workplace issue. The health of any team is directly linked to how well its members feel, both physically and mentally. But despite the growing awareness around mental health, the workplace is still often a place where the topic is avoided, ignored, or stigmatized. This needs to change. The conversation around mental health must become as routine as any other workplace discussion if we want to foster environments where everyone can thrive.

I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to speak openly about mental health. I’ve walked the path of grief, losing my son, and navigating the complexities of that experience while balancing professional responsibilities. This journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me the importance of breaking down barriers and stigmas associated with mental health.

Many of us spend more time at work than we do anywhere else. It’s a place where we should feel supported, understood, and valued—not just for our productivity but for who we are as individuals. Yet, the stigma surrounding mental health can create an environment of silence, where employees feel isolated in their struggles, unable to seek the help they need. The corporate culture can often encourage the “put your head down and get to work” attitude. You’re not at work to be a genuine person who has real struggles. This silence can be damaging, not only to the individual but to the team and the organization as a whole.

The Cost of Silence

When mental health issues are stigmatized, the cost is high. On average, an employee struggling with mental health challenges can cost a company $15,000 every year, for the following reasons:

• Reduced Productivity: When employees are struggling with mental health issues, their ability to focus and perform diminishes. This not only impacts their work but also affects the overall productivity of the team.

• Increased Absenteeism: Mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism, as employees may take more sick days to manage their conditions, or worse, they might feel forced to leave the job entirely.

• Lower Employee Morale: A workplace that does not address mental health can foster a toxic environment, leading to low morale and disengagement. Employees are less likely to feel committed to their work when they don’t feel supported.

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Breaking this cycle begins with leadership. When leaders openly discuss their own experiences with mental health, it sends a powerful message: It’s okay to talk about these things here. It’s okay to seek help. In my own journey of healing, I found that sharing my story not only helped me but also opened the door for others to share theirs.

Creating a Supportive Workplace

To break the stigma of mental health in the workplace, we need to create a culture of openness and support. Here are a few strategies that can make a significant difference:

• Lead by Example: As I mentioned above, leaders need to share their own experiences with mental health to normalize the conversation. This doesn’t mean divulging all personal details but rather showing vulnerability and understanding.

• Provide Resources: Ensure that employees – and their families –  have access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or wellness programs, including at the workplace. Regularly remind employees that these resources are available and encourage their use.

• Foster Open Communication: Encourage employees to speak openly about their mental health. This could be through regular check-ins, team meetings, or creating safe spaces where employees can share without fear of judgment.

• Educate the Team: Offer training on mental health awareness. This helps reduce stigma by educating employees on what mental health issues look like and how to support each other.

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The workplace can be a place of hope and resilience, where individuals feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. This doesn’t mean that everyone needs to be constantly upbeat or without struggle—it means that when struggles do arise, they are met with understanding and support.

My Commitment

In my talks, I often share the story of how grief pushed me to seek alternative healing methods, including meditation, creativity, and plant medicines. While unconventional, these methods were part of my healing process, allowing me to confront my grief in a safe and guided environment. It’s a reminder that mental health care is not one-size-fits-all and that we must be open to exploring diverse paths to healing.

“A mountain has one peak, but there are many paths to the top.” 

My mission is to inspire hope and resilience in others, especially in the workplace, where we spend so much of our lives. By breaking the stigma around mental health, we can create workplaces that are not just productive, but truly supportive and humane. We can help people move from Cope to Hope.

Let’s start the conversation. Let’s make mental health a part of our daily discussions at work. By doing so, we can build stronger, more resilient teams that are better equipped to face the challenges of today’s world​​​.

P.S. (Can you PS a blog?) The image on this blog, like the others, is a simple stock photo. But when I saw it, in the context of this post, I got very emotional. We don’t want people to feel cornered or turned away. We want them to feel loved and supported.