Aug. 18, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

The “just keep going” mentality in the workplace is truly American. And overdue for change.

“We can often acknowledge a setback when it’s physical. We’ll accommodate for a member of our team who has a sprained ankle or a broken arm,” said Avera Medical Group psychiatrist Dr. Matthew Stanley. “We have to do the same thing for conditions like depression and anxiety. They’re just as real as a sprain or broken bone.”

A holistic view of health encompasses the body, mind and spirit. When workplaces take steps to talk about health holistically, it can lead to more success and even a stronger bottom line.

“Not every workplace has an Employee Assistance Program, but unless you’re truly a sole proprietor, there aren’t many businesses that don’t have teams,” Stanley said. “No matter how larger or small, a team can respond to its members and help them out, no matter what they’re facing.”

Start from scratch — and stop the stigma

Employee Assistance Programs are a good tool, but another tool is handy to almost any shop, office or project site.

“Conversation can help to create a caring culture where compassion and kindness tend to thrive,” Stanley said. “Wellness is an operational value. We can create wellness when we set aside time to talk, to look at ideas on productivity and work-life balance.”

Stigma exists when it comes to mental health challenges. An employee facing anxiety or depression fears that others won’t understand. On the flip side, other team members worry about what to say or how to help.

“Simple tools, like burnout inventories, can serve as a starting point for these types of conversations,” Stanley said.

Talk about what we all face and fear

Current events can be conversation starters. For example, co-workers can discuss the realities that U.S. gymnast Simone Biles addressed by stepping away from some of her events. From time to time, we become aware of someone in a respected profession like medicine or military service who faces a mental health issue.

“We can all struggle, even if we believe we should be strong or keep going for the team,” Stanley said. “Employers who can model vulnerability will have a kinder workforce. Being ‘tough’ isn’t always a positive.”

If an Olympian can get overwhelmed, so can a welder, a marketing coordinator or a sales rep.

“When we realize anxiety is much more than just worrying and that depression isn’t just feeling sad, we can improve,” he said. “It becomes serious when these conditions change how we function in life. When that happens, people won’t get better without help.”

Realize you’re not always going to be this way

Anxiety and depression are treatable. The jagged low or uncomfortable panic you might feel can be addressed.

“We all know someone who discovers a new physical pain and realizes they need to get to the doctor,” Stanley said. “We need to do the same thing for mental health. There’s no weakness in admitting you need some support.”

Learn more at Avera.org/behavioralhealth or call the 24-hour assessment line at 800-691-4336.