Mental Health Awareness Month: You’re not alone
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. The two go hand in hand and can significantly impact each other. Mental well-being is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life, but unfortunately, it is often overlooked or stigmatized in society.
Denver-based internal medicine physician Dr. Deb Friesen of Kaiser Permanente reports that 92% of employees have experienced a mental health challenge that impacted their work.
You are not alone when it comes to tackling mental health challenges because life happens.
There has been growing awareness and movement around the importance of mental health. People from all walks of life are speaking out about their struggles with mental health and how they have been able to take care of themselves. These individuals are sharing their stories in hopes of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to prioritize their well-being.
One such person is actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson. She has been open about her battles with anxiety and depression and vocal about seeking therapy and taking medication to manage her mental health. She has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues in the African American community, and to encourage others to seek help when needed.
Countless other individuals have shared their experiences with mental health and how they have found healing and support. From celebrities to everyday people, these stories remind us that mental health is a universal issue that can affect anyone, regardless of background or status. Click here to watch a video on how to eliminate the stigma around suicide (content warning: mentions of self-harm, suicide and death are discussed).
Taking care of our mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and self-awareness. It takes courage to acknowledge when we are struggling and to seek help when needed. By sharing our struggles and victories, we pave the way for a more open and accepting conversation around mental health.
If you are struggling with your mental health, know that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you. It is OK to ask for help, and taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. You deserve to live a happy and healthy life, and that includes taking care of your mind as well as your body.
Take a pledge to care for yourself, others and your community here.
Learn more about suicide prevention in the workplace here.
Resources:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Eight counseling sessions per year/per issue are available atno cost for all RTD employees and household members including children not living at home up to age 26. All information is completely confidential. Plus, additional resources are offered to cope with stress, finances, legal issues and more. Call 1.800.284.1819 or visit resourcesforliving.com (username: regional transportation district; password: eap)
KAISER:
Mental health and emotional support, including an Annual Mental Health Wellness Exam, Amwell 1-on-1 video counseling and app memberships (Calm, Headspace Care, myStrength)
CIGNA:
Mental health and emotional support: Headspace Care, text chatting through TalkSpace and other Cigna resources
Other:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Fact Sheet