World Mental Health Day - 2024

Today is World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is “It Is Time to Prioritise Mental Health In The Workplace.” The truth is that employed adults spend more time working than any other activity during their waking hours. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are pervasive in workplaces globally, impacting productivity, attendance, and overall performance. When left untreated, the staggering economic cost is estimated at US$1 trillion annually by the World Health Organization. While companies offer many resources to help their employees manage their mental well being; there is still reluctance to get help. It could be due to the stigma depending on which industry you are in or the perception that one is not able to cope. However, the reality is that your mental health is not static and life is not straight forward; we are all navigating and dealing with various challenges. It is okay to not be okay. Throughout my podcast, Race2Rise, we have several episodes that talk about mental health including the things that we do to manage our well-being. I have been open about seeing a therapist over the years because the past few years were extremely challenging for me. I became a mom during the pandemic, joined a new company in a more senior role; dealt with several health scares with my daughter, and had to make some difficult decisions in between. I remember there were times when I struggled to face the music and am grateful for the resources that made me realise that it is okay to get help. So let’s normalise that mental health is just as an important as our physical and financial health. As leaders, let’s ensure that we are leading with kindness and empathy. There are many things we do not control but the two things we do control are our actions and reactions. So let’s champion mental health in the workplace and ensure that we are creating cultures where people can thrive.