What we consume is more than what we eat -it’s what we watch, listen to, read, and expose ourselves to. The media is working to end stigma around mental illness with shows like Ted Lasso, the Emmy winning Apple TV Series. Ted Lasso, the star character played by Jason Sudeikis works with his soccer team’s therapist to learn how to understand and manage his panic attacks. The show also mentions his dad died of suicide and how it still affects him and his mental health as an adult.
We’re also seeing more athletes and celebrities speak out about their mental health and their philanthropy efforts to spread awareness. Simone Biles pulled out of the team finals to protect her mental health at the Olympics – just one more reason why she’s the GOAT. Prince Harry has spoken about his mental health struggles, Selena Gomez opened up about her bipolar diagnoses, and Chrissy Teigen has shared her experience with postpartum depression, all of this in just the last two years.
Like in the media, businesses and business leaders can work to break the stigma around mental health and illnesses by spreading awareness, having open conversations and providing support and compassion to those struggling with their mental health. We cannot deny the impact mental illness has on performance and the bottom line. By being open and accepting of coworkers and managers who struggle with their mental health, we can stop the stigma and make moves to a more informed and supportive workforce.