Mental Illness Awareness Week is happening from October 1 to October 7 and World Mental Health Day is October 10.
This awareness campaign is an international public education initiative intended to help raise awareness about the reality of mental illness in our society. Mental Illness affects everyone, whether that be you personally or your family, friends or coworkers.
DID YOU KNOW: 15% of working-age adults are estimated to have a mental disorder, with discrimination and inequality listed as causes.
We encourage you to read of CultureAlly’s Tips to Support Your Mental Health: A Guide for Employees and Managers.
How to Help Destigmatize Mental Illness in the Workplace
The National Association on Mental Illness has posted nine ways to destigmatize Mental Illness in the workplace, including:
They discuss creating open communication, which can be applied in the workplace. Take some time to check in on your employees. A good reminder “People who need help sometimes look a lot like people who don’t need help” - Glennon Melton. Communication help with de-stigmatization.
Being mindful of language: Try not to use mental health disorders as a descriptor or exclamation such as; “That is so depressing” or “I am so OCD about things”!
Physical and Mental Illness are of equal importance. You wouldn’t make fun of someone for having a visible and physical illness, just as you shouldn’t shame someone for mental illness.
Communication for Mental Illness Awareness Week
[Subject: Mental Illness Awareness Week]
Hi everyone,
This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Mental health is often overlooked and misunderstood, but this is something that has a significant impact on all of us. Mental health considers our emotional, psychological and social well-being and can affect how we handle stress, relate to others and collaborate in the workplace.
We encourage you to take care of and prioritize your mental health today and every day. [Insert your organization’s time off policy/mental health benefits].
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.”
Thank you all,
[Signature]