Epiphany La'Sha, Producer
Thursday, April 7, 2022
More Texans are returning to the office this spring after working from home for over a year, which can trigger bouts of anxiety and stress. Experts have some tips for a smoother transition into the office again.
Talli Dolge, CEO of the San Antonio Mobile Mental Wellness Collaborative and senior vice president of school and community partnerships for Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, said a good place to start is with your own personal "inventory." Ask yourself how you are feeling about the work you are doing, and if you are getting the support you need from managers when you aren't feeling well.
"We're in an environment where everyone has accepted the fact that mental health is changing in our society," Dolge pointed out. "Workplaces have to learn to adapt to that, and be able to plan and make programs that would help support mental health."
Dolge noted feeling supported is a big key when dealing with mental-health challenges. She added a person should never blame themselves for feeling stress, anxiety or depression. You're not alone. Everyone has experienced a traumatic last two years. Some experts advise finding someone at work you trust to confide in, or seeking therapy.
Dolge suggested another approach is to give yourself grace and talk to yourself in a positive way.
"Saying things like, 'I can make it through this,' or, 'This is just a period of time, and then I will be able to find another thing that's going to make me feel better, after work,'" Dolge advised.
She recommended eating healthy foods, sleeping eight hours at night, and exercising at least three days a week can also help.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people with mental health disorders also need care for physical health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness. The costs for treating people who face both mental and physical health challenges are two to three times higher than those without them in combination.
And Dolge emphasized if you dread going to work, are unable to do things you once enjoyed, or feel "checked out," it may be time to seek help, or even find a different workplace.
"Our mental health is our health," she stated.
It can be reassuring to find out what your company is doing to keep the office safe from the spread of COVID, including its policy on mental-health days. Dolge recommended trying a calming app on your phone. Many offer mindfulness and meditation exercises, plus access to peer groups and therapy services.
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