Despite roles or locations at the University of Delaware, the importance of people needing each other is always prevalent. The World Health Organization reported that anxiety and depression have increased 25% worldwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. This has become an alarming reality and supports how much mental health issues can be pervasive.

Fortunately, there are opportunities to create safety by holding a space to acknowledge shared challenges. Here is an exercise that can be implemented in the workplace. Provide this simple prompt: “I know I was someone affected by mental health concerns when…” and let the other person finish the sentence.

Things the other person might say:

• “I know I was someone affected by mental health concerns when I couldn’t focus on work because of the shooting in Buffalo, New York.”
• "I know I was affected by mental health concerns when I felt tired all the time at work despite getting good sleep.”
• "I know I was affected by mental health concerns when I no longer felt motivated by my work.”

In a recent study conducted by Employee Health and Wellbeing (EHW), 82% of respondents said they have someone at work who cares about them. This is foundational to creating environments that are authentic and empathetic, by learning from each other and listening.

EHW has curated a specific LinkedIn learning exercise focused on Mental Health and Resources at UD. As a team, watch this pathway individually and create team space to talk about what stood out, what “showing up” for each other looks like and how to improve accountability. Bonus points if this opportunity is used to host an outdoor or walking meeting to connect over the topic.

For further information, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/checkpoint/enterprise/login/76775026?pathWildcard=76775026&application=learning&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elinkedin%2Ecom%2Flearning%2Fpaths%2Funiversity-of-delaware-protecting-mental-health%3Fu%3D76775026