For me, mental health is deeply personal. I’ve witnessed firsthand how it can quietly and devastatingly take hold of someone you love. I spent nearly every day of my life with someone who once found joy in sports, friendships, and other activities that made them feel alive. Only to watch them slowly withdraw from it all. The world they loved became a place they could barely step into. The depression that overtook them was invisible to most, but for those closest, the pain was undeniable. Watching someone you love struggle to even step outside—not because they couldn’t, but because they no longer saw a reason to—showed me that mental health is so much more than what meets the eye.
That experience is what led me to volunteer with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). It’s why I feel strongly that Mental Health Awareness Month should be more than just words—it should be a call to action, especially in the workplace.
With more employees speaking openly about mental health, employers can’t just talk about support—they need to show it through meaningful, visible actions. For me, getting involved isn’t just about helping others. Volunteering has helped me listen, learn, and better understand what others are facing. It also forces you to step back, refocus on what really matters, and lead with empathy. It’s made me a better leader—and a better friend to those who feel isolated by struggles we often can’t see.
Mental health isn’t something that stays at home—it comes to work with us. And if we want to build workplaces that support the whole person, we need to make sure our actions reflect that every day, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month.