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Reparo Reflections

Welcome to the Reparo Reflections — your resource for mental health tips, insights, and inspiration. Here, we share articles from our team of licensed therapists and nurse practitioners to help you on your journey to better mental health.

Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace: An Employee’s Perspective

Reparo Health

As employees, we know that work can be both rewarding and challenging. Long hours, tight deadlines, and an endless to-do list can lead to stress, anxiety, or even burnout. Many of us are familiar with that overwhelming feeling, yet we often feel we must keep pushing through without taking the time to care for our mental health.


Fortunately, attitudes toward mental health in the workplace are starting to shift, and more employees are prioritizing well-being as essential to a successful career. In this blog, we’ll explore some practical strategies we can use to manage our mental health at work and advocate for a more supportive, balanced work environment.



Why Mental Health in the Workplace Matters

Mental health doesn’t just affect our personal lives; it deeply impacts our work life too. When we’re struggling, it’s hard to focus, stay productive, or engage fully with our tasks. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions like depression and anxiety cost the global economy over $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. For us as employees, this underscores how much our mental well-being matters—not only to our careers but also to our overall quality of life.


Taking care of our mental health is essential to our well-being, but it’s not always easy to address these concerns in the workplace. Many of us may fear stigma or worry about how discussing mental health could affect our careers. But the good news is that companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental wellness, and we as employees can take steps to advocate for ourselves and support our own mental health at work.


1. Speak Openly About Mental Health

One of the most powerful steps we can take is to create an open dialogue about mental health with our colleagues and supervisors. By talking about our experiences, we can start breaking down the stigma and encourage others to do the same. Sharing challenges, even in small ways, can create a supportive environment where people feel comfortable being honest about their struggles.


If your workplace doesn’t already have a culture of openness, consider taking the initiative in small ways. For instance, you might mention the importance of mental health in team meetings, or check in with your coworkers about their well-being. Harvard Business Review research found that employees who feel supported by their supervisors and coworkers are significantly less likely to experience burnout.


2. Set Boundaries to Support Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is crucial to our mental health, but it’s often hard to achieve. Many of us struggle with the pressure to always be “on” and accessible, especially as remote work blurs the lines between work and personal time. Taking small actions to set boundaries can be incredibly helpful in managing stress and preventing burnout.


One approach is to establish clear “off” hours and communicate them to your team. This might mean letting coworkers know you won’t be available after a certain hour, or setting an “away” status on messaging apps when you’re focusing or taking a break. Research from the International Labor Organization (ILO) shows that employees with flexible work arrangements experience lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction.


3. Utilize Available Mental Health Resources

If your workplace offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or access to counseling services, make the most of them. These resources can provide confidential support, from short-term counseling to practical advice on handling stress, anxiety, or other issues. Many employees don’t realize these programs exist, or may feel hesitant to use them, but EAPs are a great way to access help discreetly.


According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, employees with access to EAPs report better job satisfaction and overall mental health. Even if your company doesn’t have these programs, there may be other resources available, like wellness apps or mental health workshops, so it’s worth exploring all the options.


4. Learn to Recognize Signs of Stress and Burnout

Understanding the signs of stress and burnout can help us identify when it’s time to take action. Common symptoms include feeling exhausted, detached, or unmotivated, as well as physical signs like headaches or muscle tension. If you’re noticing these symptoms regularly, it may be a sign that you need to take a break or adjust your workload.


Mental health organizations like the Mental Health Commission of Canada recommend recognizing and addressing early signs of stress to prevent burnout. As employees, we can practice self-care by taking regular breaks, stepping away from our screens, and getting outside for fresh air. Listening to our bodies and minds is essential in maintaining a healthy balance.


5. Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques

Mindfulness and stress-relief practices can be powerful tools for managing anxiety and staying focused throughout the day. Simple techniques like deep breathing exercises, short meditations, or stretching can make a noticeable difference in how we feel. If you’re working at a computer, take a few minutes every hour to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and reset.


Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated; apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations and breathing exercises designed for busy schedules. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that practicing mindfulness can lower cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone) and increase resilience to stress. Finding moments to practice mindfulness can make a significant difference in how we handle daily challenges.


6. Take Mental Health Days When Needed

Just as we take sick days to recover physically, mental health days are important for recharging emotionally. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, taking a day to rest and reset can prevent burnout and help us return to work refreshed and more productive. A study by Deloitte showed that companies encouraging mental health days see higher levels of employee engagement and lower turnover.


If you’re concerned about taking a mental health day, consider having an honest conversation with your manager about why you need time off to recharge. Remember, prioritizing mental health isn’t just about immediate relief; it’s a proactive way to sustain our well-being in the long term.


7. Cultivate Empathy and Support Among Colleagues

Empathy and mutual support are powerful when it comes to creating a positive work environment. By actively listening to colleagues and showing understanding when they’re going through challenges, we contribute to a culture of care and inclusion. Empathy can go a long way in making everyone feel supported and valued, which ultimately makes work a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.


Gallup found that workplaces fostering empathy and inclusion saw a significant increase in employee engagement and productivity. When we all support each other, we create a workplace where mental health is valued, making it easier for everyone to thrive.


Taking Charge of Your Mental Health at Work

Taking steps to support our mental health in the workplace is essential to our overall well-being and career success. By speaking openly about mental health, setting boundaries, and using available resources, we can create a balanced and fulfilling work experience. Managing mental health is a journey, but taking small actions can have a meaningful impact on how we feel and perform.


While employers have a role to play, we as employees can advocate for ourselves and our needs, contributing to a healthier, more supportive work culture. Building a positive environment is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create a workplace that values mental health and well-being.


Ready to Prioritize Your Mental Health? Reparo Health Can Help

If you’re feeling the effects of workplace stress, burnout, or mental health challenges, Reparo Health is here to support you. Our virtual mental health services offer convenient, confidential counseling tailored to your unique needs, helping you manage work-related stress and find a path to well-being.


At Reparo Health, we understand the complexities of balancing work and mental health, and our licensed therapists are here to provide the support you deserve. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier self by scheduling a virtual session with Reparo Health.


Your mental health is worth prioritizing—reach out to Reparo Health today, and let’s navigate this journey together.




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