Promoting Understanding and Support for Mental Health at Our Online Hub
Join us on a journey as we delve into our monthly social impact campaigns, each thoughtfully picked to spark vital conversations and positive change. Our latest focus, inspired by World Mental Health Day on October 10, was mental well-being. Embracing the theme "Mental Health at Work," we crafted an array of internal programs to foster understanding, empathy, and a nurturing environment at our workplace.
With growing awareness around mental health issues and workplace wellness, forward-thinking employers recognize the significant impact employees' mental health has on productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction. However, alarming statistics indicate a rise in the number of people worldwide struggling with mental disorders in today's pressured environments:
- Between 2018 and 2024, the number of people grappling with mental health issues skyrocketed from 792 million to an estimated 970 million.[1]
- Approximately 75% of employees report experiencing burnout at some point.[2]
- World Health Organization reports that around 280 million people suffer from depression.[3]
Breaking the stigma around mental health is crucial to ensure more people get the support they need. That's why our social impact team organized three events geared towards providing our team members with information, strategies, and practical tips for mental well-being.
1. Mindfulness in Motion: Your Personal Sanctuary
Could overwhelming deadlines, interpersonal conflicts, or unforeseen challenges be making you feel anxious and out of control? Welcome mindfulness, a powerful strategy that helps you find inner peace, clarity, and the ability to react confidently. Recognizing its potential, we explored this topic, showcasing its benefits for our workplace's well-being.
Authority on mindfulness and meditation, Alia Sallam - our very own teammate - graciously shared her wealth of experience and passion during an illuminating webinar. She offered a captivating exploration of mindfulness, its proven advantages, and practical tips for integrating this practice into our daily lives.
Keeping it simple, Alia demonstrated that practicing mindfulness doesn't need to be complicated. Strategies like focusing on your breath or taking a brief mindful pause can make a tremendous difference, enabling us to maintain calmness and focus in the face of adversity.
2. "Stepping Up": A Compass for Support Without Burnout
Our internal webinar series, "Stepping Up," dives into crucial topics that resonate with us. In October, we honed in on an essential question: How to help others without compromising our well-being?
Olga Lany, our organization's champion PR & Partnership Manager and a respected activist in Krakow's community, graciously shared her journey into activism. She eloquently discussed the inspiration behind her endeavors, the rewards it brought, and the hurdles she faced during her journey.
Far from retelling her story, Olga offered practical insights into handling feelings of overwhelm, managing the inevitable challenges like limited resources, and making a positive impact without compromising personal wellness. She emphasized the delicate balance between activism, work, and personal life, reminding us that nourishing ourselves is the foundation for sustainable support.
Her inspiring approach resonated deeply with those seeking to make a difference while prioritizing inner peace. Olga's thoughtful approach empowered us all to find ways to make a meaningful impact without sacrificing our mental and emotional health.
3. Sleepless Nights: Exploring the Science of Insomnia
When addressing complex mental health issues like insomnia, seeking expert guidance is key. We had the privilege of hosting a stimulating webinar led by Andrzej Juryk, MD, PhD, a distinguished psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience in treating adult patients in University hospitals and private medical centers.
Dr. Juryk dissected the intricacies of insomnia, delving into its causes, the mechanisms behind it, symptoms, and its far-reaching consequences. He also explored evidence-based treatment options, arming attendees with valuable insights drawn from his extensive clinical experience.
Interactive Q&A sessions followed as participants delved into pressing quandaries, gaining further understanding of this complex condition. It was an enlightening discussion that highlighted the importance of seeking expert wisdom for better health and well-being.
October's focus on mental well-being marked a significant milestone in our continuous pursuit of promoting workplace well-being. Through insightful webinars on mindfulness, balancing activism and self-care, and understanding insomnia, we equipped our team members with valuable tools and knowledge to navigate mental health difficulties. Yet, we understand that promoting mental well-being calls for sustained attention. Let's promise to prioritize mental health every day of the year.
[1] Huntington Psychological Services, "Mental Health Statistics: 2024 Updates That Matter"
[2] World Health Organization, "Depressive disorder (depression)"
[3] World Health Organization, "Burden of Depression"
- Recognizing the importance of mental wellness in the workplace, our agency organized an informative webinar titled "Mindfulness in Motion: Your Personal Sanctuary," featuring Alia Sallam, who shared mindfulness strategies to enhance inner peace, clarity, and react confidently amidst challenges, promoting health and wellness.
- Aiming to support others without succumbing to burnout, our webinar series "Stepping Up" explored solutions through the insights of Olga Lany, PR & Partnership Manager, who discussed her activist journey and offered practical tips on balancing activism, work, and personal wellness. This event aligned with our efforts in advancing workplace wellness and mental health.
- To combat complex mental health issues such as insomnia, our agency sought expert guidance from renowned psychiatrist, Andrzej Juryk, MD, PhD. The webinar delved into the science of insomnia, its symptoms, mechanisms, and evidence-based treatments, furthering our understanding of therapies and treatments needed for overall health and wellness.
