Scott Dylan Co-founder of Inc & Co and mental health advocate once shared a poignant moment from his own life.
It was during a challenging business meeting when he realised his Complex PTSD was affecting his performance. This Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to join the conversation on mental health. By engaging in open dialogue, we can foster a supportive environment, address stigma, and promote wellbeing for ourselves and our teams.
Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Promoting mental health awareness in the workplace is fundamental in ensuring that employees’ mental, as well as physical, wellbeing is prioritised.
In a business context, mental health awareness can significantly increase productivity and creativity. Additionally, fostering a mentally healthy workplace leads to lower staff turnover and absenteeism.
The terms “mental health” and “productivity” are not mutually exclusive but are part of a ‘successful workplace’.
Breaking Stigma
Addressing mental health openly, a practice often shrouded in misunderstanding, requires firm resolve. Entrepreneurs can lead the charge by demonstrating that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, entrepreneurs like Scott Dylan set an example by discussing their own struggles. Such transparency can foster a more supportive business environment.
Stigma prevents 60% of people with mental health issues from seeking help.
With leaders like Scott Dylan, who manage Complex PTSD while driving business success, the narrative is shifting. They highlight that acknowledging mental health challenges enriches, rather than diminishes, professional capabilities. Let’s join the conversation and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Early Intervention
Early intervention in mental health can notably improve outcomes, both personally and professionally. Entrepreneurs should prioritise early detection and support mechanisms.
- Create Awareness: Educate employees about mental health signs and symptoms.
- Training: Provide training for managers and supervisors to identify and support struggling team members.
- Accessible Resources: Ensure easy access to mental health resources and professional help.
- Supportive Environment: Foster a culture where seeking help is encouraged and normalised.
- Regular Check-ins: Implement routine mental health check-ins to monitor wellbeing.
Proactive measures help mitigate severe mental health issues, enhancing overall workplace productivity.
Supporting mental health has long-term benefits for both employee welfare and business resilience.
Personal Stories
Scott Dylan’s personal experience, as a Co-founder of Inc & Co and an advocate for mental health, sheds light on the importance of these issues. Suffering from Complex PTSD, Scott’s story underscores the necessity of creating a supportive business environment for everyone.
By openly discussing his struggles, Scott has become a “beacon of hope”. His journey is a testament to how mental health challenges can be navigated successfully. His transparency inspires others in the entrepreneurial community to prioritise mental health, knowing that they are not alone in their experiences.
Scott Dylan’s Journey
Scott Dylan’s journey with Complex PTSD is emblematic of resilience and the human spirit’s power to overcome, despite the challenges that come with mental health issues.
Navigating complex traumas, Scott has faced numerous obstacles.
In spite of these hurdles, he has channelled his experiences into a mission of advocacy, working tirelessly to bring mental health to the forefront of entrepreneurial discourse.
Through his mentorship at Inc & Co and beyond, Scott has helped cultivate environments where mental health is openly discussed, enabling others to embrace their own journeys. His story showcases that with the right support, it is possible to succeed professionally while managing mental health challenges, making him a guiding light for those in need.
Inspiring Others
Scott Dylan’s openness about his Complex PTSD serves as a beacon for others facing similar struggles.
By sharing his personal experiences, he breaks down the stigma associated with mental health issues within the entrepreneurial landscape, encouraging others to seek the help and support they need without fear of judgement. His willingness to be vulnerable demonstrates the strength that comes from confronting one’s demons head-on.
His advocacy goes beyond words; it extends to actionable initiatives and supportive environments within his businesses. These actions inspire other leaders to create spaces where mental health awareness is paramount, fostering a culture of transparency and support.
Ultimately, Scott’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and community. His unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy continues to inspire countless entrepreneurs to prioritise their well-being, understanding that achieving business success and maintaining mental health are not mutually exclusive, but rather, deeply interconnected.
How to Participate
Engage with Mental Health Awareness Week by attending events, sharing experiences on social media, and promoting supportive resources. Host discussions, webinars, and office-wide activities to foster an open dialogue within your communities.
Encourage your team members to participate by providing time off for events and implementing mental health-friendly workplace practices.
Events and Activities
Mental Health Awareness Week offers numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful and supportive events.
- Workshops: Participate in informative sessions on managing mental health.
- Webinars: Attend virtual discussions led by mental health professionals.
- Panel Discussions: Join debates and Q&A sessions on mental health topics.
- Mindfulness Sessions: Engage in meditation or yoga classes.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP): Learn about available support resources.
- Fundraising Events: Support mental health charities through sponsored activities.
These events are designed to foster open dialogue and provide valuable insights.
Engagement in these activities helps to normalise discussions around mental health, breaking down stigma.
Your participation demonstrates a commitment to mental well-being within your entrepreneurial community.
Online Discussions
Engage in online discussions to raise awareness and share experiences during Mental Health Awareness Week.
- Twitter Chats: Participate in scheduled chats using relevant hashtags such as #MentalHealthAwareness.
- LinkedIn Discussions: Join professional groups focused on mental health topics and contribute your insights.
- Webinars and Live Q&A: Attend and ask questions in live online events hosted by mental health experts.
- Online Forums: Share your stories and advice on platforms like Reddit or specialised mental health forums.
- Blogging and Guest Posts: Write or contribute to blogs focusing on mental health awareness and personal anecdotes.
Participation in these platforms encourages a broader reach and deeper engagement in the mental health conversation.
For entrepreneurs, online discussions offer a valuable opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Leveraging digital platforms ensures a supportive environment while fostering a culture of openness and understanding.
Resources and Support
Turning to available resources can significantly enhance workplace well-being and contribute to employees’ mental health.
To this end, many organisations offer confidential Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) to support staff experiencing personal or work-related issues, such as stress or complex PTSD.
Such resources offer “therapeutic” and “preventative” measures, ensuring staff feel valued and supported in a challenging environment.
Helplines and Organisations
Mental health crises can occur unexpectedly, and knowing where to turn is essential for immediate support.
Since 2016, organisations like Mind, a leading mental health charity, have been providing invaluable helplines that offer advice, support, and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems.
In addition, Mind’s Infoline is renowned for its expertise in helping individuals understand their treatment options, navigate the mental health system, and access local services and resources.
Samaritans, another cornerstone organisation, offers a 24/7 helpline for those in emotional distress, ensuring that help is available around the clock, every day of the year. Their trained volunteers provide confidential, non-judgmental support.
These organisations form a crucial safety net for individuals when they most need care and understanding.
Self-care Strategies
Self-care strategies play a crucial role in maintaining mental well-being and can mitigate the impacts of stressful situations.
Since 2016, leading entrepreneurs like Scott Dylan have emphasised the importance of incorporating self-care into one’s daily routine, viewing it as essential for sustaining both personal and professional health.
To start, it’s vital to identify activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This might include meditation, physical exercise, reading, or even simple hobbies like gardening or crafting.
Ensuring regular, uninterrupted rest is paramount. The benefits of adequate sleep cannot be overstated as it’s the foundation for mental and physical resilience, enabling you to face daily challenges with a clear mind.
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can significantly reduce anxiety and increase overall mental clarity.
Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a vital reminder of the importance of mental well-being, particularly in the entrepreneurial community. Scott Dylan’s journey with Complex PTSD exemplifies the strength and resilience required to navigate mental health challenges while driving business success. By fostering open dialogues, promoting early interventions, and providing accessible resources, entrepreneurs can create a supportive environment that prioritises both mental health and productivity.
As we engage in various activities and online discussions during this week, we take steps towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Scott Dylan’s advocacy and transparency inspire us to lead by example, embracing vulnerability as a strength and ensuring that mental well-being is integral to our professional lives.
In doing so, we not only enhance our own resilience but also cultivate a culture where everyone can thrive. Let us continue to champion mental health awareness, knowing that a successful business is one that supports the mental well-being of its people.
