What if We Could Update our Thinking about Mental Health?

When I wrote an article during Mental Health Awareness Month in May of 2022 on burnout, I had some people in the healthcare industry in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area reach out to me privately to share how they or their staff had been struggling with stress and burnout and were concerned about where things were headed.

Now that we're several years past the initial pandemic, many have re-entered their physical workplace, either full-time or part-time. Many have also returned to commuting long hours and are re-experiencing how stressful work can be and how it can potentially lead to burnout.

In a time when so many are experiencing high levels of stress, what if this is the opportunity to start changing how we view and think about mental health? What if while we're talking about solving the mental health 'crisis' we start including the very thing that drives our mind, relationships and decisions - and yes, I'm talking about that 2-3 lb. walnut-shaped organ - your brain. 🧠

When I started learning the role my brain played when I'm in a state of stress or burnout (mainly caregiver burnout), while it was still hard at times, I no longer felt powerless. I felt empowered and was able to find different resources and strategies that helped.

Mayo Clinic shared in an article that “Stigma harms people's health and well-being in many ways”. I envision a time when we are as proactive in taking care of our brain, and emotional and psychological well-being as much as we care for our physical health.

Are you, or anyone you know, feeling a bit burned out or stressed or struggling? Whether due to increased job responsibilities, lingering effects of the pandemic, or other pressures, there are qualified people to help you find resources...and if you're in the DMV area, DC, Maryland or Virginia, and have a heart for community helpers, you can find out about a live, in-person event here.

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Barbara Gustavson, owner of Discover Next Step, equips people to develop their unique gifts and learn new ways to think, engage and lead. Barbara is an Executive Coach, facilitator, mental health and brain health advocate. She is the author of Permission to be BOLD and co-author of Breaking Average: The Seven Critical Factors to Team Strong Leadership.