The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health. It has taught us that we cannot continue to ignore conversations about our mental health issues.
Our mental health is affected by a variety of things: our interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers in public spaces. Since it is also affected by systemic influences such as oppressive systems, unequal access to resources and social justice, stigma and discrimination, it is important to approach our mental health problems with a systemic lens.
How can inclusive mental health spaces help address mental health needs in a systematic way?
To address mental health needs from a systemic perspective, we must create more inclusive mental health spaces. Inclusion, simply put, means providing equitable access to resources to people who would otherwise be excluded or marginalized. In India, many women, non-binary people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA + community and people of marginalized castes, religions and races face systemic injustices. Inclusive mental health spaces can help provide a courageous space for people who suffer marginalization and oppression so that they can feel safe, heard and understood.
How can inclusive mental health spaces be beneficial to employees and employers?
Building an inclusive mental health space at work is no longer a luxury, it has become a necessity. The overall satisfaction and mental health of employees affect the culture and growth of the organization. Inclusive mental health spaces offer support to organizations to improve employee well-being, create policies and culture that are beneficial to both employees and the organization. These include creating personalized holistic mental health plans, therapy services for employees and their families, webinars, and workshops with leaders and teams to spread awareness and help understand what inclusion in the workplace would look like.
Now, what exactly would inclusive mental health spaces look like at work? For example, if one of the employees lives with dyslexia, employers can use a font compatible with dyslexia. If an employee or staff identifies as non-binary individuals and their pronouns are they or they, leaders and teams can refer to them by their personal pronouns to validate their identity.
How do inclusive mental health spaces benefit the business?
Making mental health services accessible to employees will not only increase job satisfaction, but will also enhance creativity and innovative ideas. An inclusive workspace would mean that each person will have a seat at the table to be involved in decision-making. An increase in job satisfaction will eventually lead to higher productivity and high turnover. Being in an inclusive workspace also encourages coworkers to see themselves as part of a community where everyone is equal and works toward a collective goal. The feeling of connection and belonging can make the workplace a happy and healthy place that continually encourages employees to produce better results.
How are digital mental health platforms making therapy more accessible?
Fifty years ago, previous generations would not have even thought that they could get mental health support with a simple click. Now, we have digital mental health platforms that allow people to choose their personalized expert and receive online therapy from the comfort of their place. Mental health digital platforms provide advice anywhere, anytime. These platforms can also be very profitable for clients as travel overhead is almost completely eliminated.
Inclusion comes with the effort made not only by mental health spaces but also by employers. Taking care of people’s mental health, regardless of their backgrounds, is extremely important, especially in these uncertain times.
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