PR Leaders Urged to Create Supportive Culture, Offer Programs to Combat Mental Health Issues

A career in PR and communications attracts people for a variety of reasons. Yet PR also is listed among the top 10 most stressful occupations. In addition, the profession is a proven contributor to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other serious conditions.

Roughly 20 percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from a mental health condition, so this is not an issue limited to the communications industry. It is, however, particularly relevant for PR leaders to confront endemic risks.

We all know PR is a hard job. But we shouldn’t accept that people must suffer (often in silence) to work in the field. Below are steps PR leaders can take to create a work environment that not only assists those who are suffering, but seeks to build positive mental health.
A Supportive Environment
Isabel Podda COO,Infinite Global

Communications leaders must work to destigmatize mental health. While entertainers and athletes have gone public with their mental health struggles, it’s hard for an employee to step forward and admit to having problems.