According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness every day but are afraid to speak up due to the stigma around mental health.
Mental Health Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to learn more about each other, fight the stigma surrounding mental health, and provide support to those around us. This month also reminds us that these are things we should be doing year round. As discussed in last year’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we are continuing the conversation around mental health to ensure our employees know they have someone to talk to – whether that is a family member, coworker, friend, or mental health professional.
Several Power Design employees recently sat down to discuss what mental health means to them and why they believe taking care of it is essential.
Over half of the people who have a mental illness do not receive the help they need. The perceived stigma surrounding mental health often leads people to avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently, being seen as weak, or even losing their jobs. At Power Design, we strive to achieve a welcoming and nonjudgmental work environment where all employees feel that they can safely and openly discuss their mental health struggles.
Mental health is real, complex, and can affect all aspects of our lives. It is not shameful, a sign of weakness, or all in your mind. A variety of factors can negatively contribute to our mental health, with one of the most common being an unhealthy work-life balance. The construction industry is fast-paced and can be grueling at times, so keeping a healthy work-life balance is crucial.
Regardless of the source of mental distress, it is common to think that no one understands how we feel — creating a sense of loneliness and isolation. However, when we talk with those around us, we find that numerous others feel the same way we do or have had similar experiences.
In addition to your personal well-being, it’s important to recognize signs of distress in others around you. Below are some potential behaviors of someone in distress:
It is important to remember that no matter what you are facing, you are not alone. There are people out there who can help lead you down a path of recovery and toward a healthier and happier life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are free resources available 24/7: