Mental Health Monday – Let’s Talk About It
I realized after a few conversations recently that I wasn’t totally clear in my last post, so to clarify, I’ve officially left my role at the Kansas City Business Journal and stepped into something new.
I’ve gone back to school to pursue a long-time goal of becoming a therapist, and I’m excited to finally make space for the work I feel called to do.
As I navigate this shift, I’ve been reflecting a lot on mental health in the workplace and how we really talk about it (or don’t). So, I’m starting a new series here: Mental Health Mondays. Not because I’m an expert, but because I’ve lived through enough to know these conversations matter.
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Here’s a thought to kick things off:
We always hear about how important it is to “take time off” and “unplug,” but the reality? While some companies talk about the importance of unplugging, I’ve noticed that fully stepping away isn’t always as easy as it sounds especially when there’s an unspoken pressure to stay available.
If you’re in sales, or any fast-paced role, you’re often still checking emails on PTO, still taking calls, still performing. And the people who go the extra mile, even at the expense of their peace, are often the ones who get praised.
But what message does that send about mental well-being?
When being “on” all the time becomes the standard, checking in on vacation, answering emails after hours, it’s hard to know when it’s actually okay to rest. Over time, that pressure adds up. It can wear on you, even if you love what you do.
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And just to be clear, this isn’t about bashing any company or management. It’s about having honest communication around mental health at work.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s experienced this, or from managers who’ve found ways to truly support their teams, or even course-corrected along the way. What did that look like?
So here’s my question for you:
Do you think being constantly available impacts your mental health? If not, why not?
And if it does, how have you helped yourself (or your team) take care of your well-being, even when the job demands a lot?
Let’s talk about it, because I know I’m not the only one thinking about this.
#MentalHealthMonday