Physical illness received the bulk of attention in the past two years of the pandemic, however, mental illness has materialized into just as big of a crisis. It is not a huge surprise: isolation and loneliness combined with quarantine, uncertainty over a new illness and financial turbulence spawned depression and anxiety. During the most stressful times, people were deprived of crucial support systems: substance abuse groups, exercise classes, family gatherings, and more. Experts say that new mental health diagnoses skyrocketed during the pandemic, and there are now concerns that catching COVID-19 could lead to an increased risk of mental illness. 

Mental illness often requires professional help and counseling. Nonetheless, there are small things we can do each day to support each other and create a world where mental health is prioritized. Each workplace should remember what I call the “four Cs”:

• Compassion: Work and business can be stressful. There is more competition for less business, inflation is high, and the supply chain has been under stress since March 2020. When working with others, try to remember the human being on the other end of the conference line or email. Ask questions and be solicitous. We are all in this life together. Competition is part of that life, but so is respecting our shared humanity.  
• Concern: If someone seems like they are struggling, ask if they are o.k. See if there is anything you can do — especially if they report to you. Don’t pry or get pushy – sometimes a simple question is all that’s needed. If someone shares their struggles with mental illness, see what you can do to help and support them, just like you would if they suffered a heart attack or were diagnosed with cancer. Mental illness can be even more destructive than physical illness. Your colleagues need your support and trust. 
• (Self) Care: Remember to take care of yourself. Get good — and enough — sleep. Stand up from your chair during the work day and walk for a few minutes. Eat healthy food and exercise. Turn off the computer outside of business hours. Seek out help if you are struggling. A good resource is MGP PR client, Mindpath Health, which has mental health clinics in six states and is expanding its services rapidly across other U.S. markets. Prioritize self-care through means like therapy if you struggle with mental illness. 
• Coordination: Work with your employees to ensure everyone has the flexibility they need to take care of their jobs and families. If someone needs an hour for a workout, encourage them to go to the gym. They will return refreshed and focused. Allow an employee the flexibility to pursue a passion. The work can get done with smart coordination and everyone can be at their best.

It’s useful to remember, it’s PR – not ER. Even the best PR professionals won’t excel if they don’t practice the 4 Cs: compassion, concern, self care and coordination. Working together, we can create better workplaces that allow for healthier lives and cultivate wellness. During Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember the people who have suffered or struggled the past few years and do our best to create an environment that supports mental health. 

MGP is a fully remote agency that values both hard work and flexibility. Interested in working with us? Get in touch at hello@wearemgp.com.  

Physical illness received the bulk of attention in the past two years of the pandemic, however, mental illness has materialized into just as big of a crisis. It is not a huge surprise: isolation and loneliness combined with quarantine, uncertainty over a new illness and financial turbulence spawned depression and anxiety. During the most stressful times, people were deprived of crucial support systems: substance abuse groups, exercise classes, family gatherings, and more. Experts say that new mental health diagnoses skyrocketed during the pandemic, and there are now concerns that catching COVID-19 could lead to an increased risk of mental illness. 

Mental illness often requires professional help and counseling. Nonetheless, there are small things we can do each day to support each other and create a world where mental health is prioritized. Each workplace should remember what I call the “four Cs”:

• Compassion: Work and business can be stressful. There is more competition for less business, inflation is high, and the supply chain has been under stress since March 2020. When working with others, try to remember the human being on the other end of the conference line or email. Ask questions and be solicitous. We are all in this life together. Competition is part of that life, but so is respecting our shared humanity.  
• Concern: If someone seems like they are struggling, ask if they are o.k. See if there is anything you can do — especially if they report to you. Don’t pry or get pushy – sometimes a simple question is all that’s needed. If someone shares their struggles with mental illness, see what you can do to help and support them, just like you would if they suffered a heart attack or were diagnosed with cancer. Mental illness can be even more destructive than physical illness. Your colleagues need your support and trust. 
• (Self) Care: Remember to take care of yourself. Get good — and enough — sleep. Stand up from your chair during the work day and walk for a few minutes. Eat healthy food and exercise. Turn off the computer outside of business hours. Seek out help if you are struggling. A good resource is MGP PR client, Mindpath Health, which has mental health clinics in six states and is expanding its services rapidly across other U.S. markets. Prioritize self-care through means like therapy if you struggle with mental illness. 
• Coordination: Work with your employees to ensure everyone has the flexibility they need to take care of their jobs and families. If someone needs an hour for a workout, encourage them to go to the gym. They will return refreshed and focused. Allow an employee the flexibility to pursue a passion. The work can get done with smart coordination and everyone can be at their best.

It’s useful to remember, it’s PR – not ER. Even the best PR professionals won’t excel if they don’t practice the 4 Cs: compassion, concern, self care and coordination. Working together, we can create better workplaces that allow for healthier lives and cultivate wellness. During Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember the people who have suffered or struggled the past few years and do our best to create an environment that supports mental health. 

MGP is a fully remote agency that values both hard work and flexibility. Interested in working with us? Get in touch at hello@wearemgp.com.