Mental Health Matters
IST Gives Back
Mental Health Matters
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, IST Management addresses the prevalence of mental health struggles and provides resources to help. IST’s Regional Operations Manager in the D.C. area, Charles Riddervold, took some time to discuss mental health in the workplace and veterans.
As a proud partner of Gainful Employment for Military Spouses (GEMS), IST has a vested interest in the topic of mental health as it pertains to our military families. Servicemen and women face an incredibly challenging transition from active duty back into civilian life. While military service fosters resilience in individuals and families, it can certainly take a toll on mental health. Depression, PTSD, and exposure to tragedy take a toll on the individual and communities around them. “Combat to civilian life comes with a lot of invisible baggage,” Riddervold states, “Those transitions are hugely difficult. Some people are successful; others are extremely not.” The consequence of this problem is a ripple effect felt through families, workplaces, and communities.
No Stigma, No Shame
Mental illness is not confined to a warzone. Millions of individuals battle mental health struggles every day, with a reported 1 in 5 individuals suffering from a mental health condition. Often, individuals fear talking about their problems in the workplace due to fear of being labeled as unstable, incapable, etc. Mental health should not be a point of shame. Instead, workplaces have the opportunity to foster open communication about their employees’ feelings and issues to promote a positive, productive environment. If you are struggling with your mental health, talk to someone. The more we can talk about the feelings that we all experience, the less taboo they become. You are not alone.
Help begins with:
- Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness and therapy
- Reaching out to those who suffer in silence
- Letting people know that they have a community of support
- Talking about mental health
- Sharing resources and information to get help
- Raising awareness
Awareness is Key
“Adjusting the way you relate to someone is the first step in the right direction. Even if you cannot directly relate to an individual’s experiences, understanding and empathizing can make a huge difference,” says Riddervold. Especially with our veteran and military spouse hiring initiatives, managers need to be informed and receptive to employees’ needs. Creating a safe space for employees to communicate and assert their personal boundaries openly can strengthen the individual and the team.
“I believe that awareness months, such as this one, are highly informative,” Charlie states, “They give space for people to express their identities which in turn helps others learn about that person and the cause as a whole.”
Leadership Tips to Help Others:
- Practice the Law of Limited Interactions.
- For individuals you don’t see face to face frequently, make sure those interactions are positive. Doing so builds a secure and positive relationship with your employees. Your interactions define relationships.
- Be a source of positivity.
- You can disarm a negative person with a positive attitude. Don’t let outside circumstances affect your interactions with others.
- Safety Briefs (Tradition in the army).
- Have collective conversations that discuss responsible behavior. Small reminders to avoid reckless actions can save lives. A temporary emotion does not warrant a permanent reaction.
- Pay attention.
- Emotional maturity is vital in leadership and any relationship. By paying attention to warning signs and establishing yourself as a safe person to confide in, you have the opportunity to change lives.
Contact Info
IST Management Services, Inc.
1341 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316