Welcome to the Mentally Fit Founder Newsletter!
Hi friend!
Welcome to the first edition of the Mentally Fit Founder newsletter, where it’s always Mental Health Awareness Month! Every month, I’ll share information on enhancing your mental wellness, expert opinions on mental health trends, more about my story, your stories (if you want!), and much more.
Given that the name of this newsletter is The Mentally Fit Founder, and I am an entrepreneur with several mental illnesses, you can bet that I will be regularly touching upon the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental illness. However, I like to think that everything I share here will apply to almost anyone in the workplace.
Eliminating the Stigma of Mental Illness
My goal is to help people understand that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Millions of people deal with some form of mental illness, whether for a period in their lives or throughout it. I am here to change the narrative that says mental illness is a weakness, a burden, or a stigma. The more we talk about mental illness, the more we normalize having one.
Most importantly, I want people who are suffering to know they are not alone. As someone who suffered in silence most of my life, I now understand the true power of sharing my story with others. Since I first started talking about my mental health journey in 2021, I have consistently received messages from people thanking me for raising awareness or letting me know they shared their stories because they saw mine.
Experts regularly encourage people to share their stories of overcoming mental health challenges because it not only eliminates the stigma but also helps others by inspiring resilience and combating feelings of loneliness. I always think that if I had known how common depression and anxiety were as a young adult, maybe I would’ve sought help or shared my story sooner.
The Evolution of Mental Health in the Workplace
When I entered the workforce 20 (!!) years ago, we did not discuss mental health AT ALL. We didn’t even entertain the idea of mental wellness programs. You checked your personal problems at the door. And if you didn’t, well, you saw yourself to the door. In today’s world, mental wellness has become a critical component of workplace culture. But while we have certainly made strides, we still have a long, LONG way to go before mental health is given the same significance as physical health.
While we won’t be able to make that shift overnight, there is one thing leaders can do that has an almost immediate impact--share their own stories of mental health. No one is immune from mental health issues–whether their own or those of a family member—so sharing your story is an easy solution that any leader can initiate. The Harvard Business Review published an article explaining why more leaders need to share their stories.
"When leaders of all levels share their personal stories, it reduces stigma and normalizes the ups and downs of being human — especially as a high-performing professional. This type of role-modeling positions vulnerability as a strength instead of a weakness and shows it’s possible to succeed and thrive with a mental health challenge." - Kelly Greenwood, Leaders, Sharing Your Own Mental Health Story Can Help You Become a Better Ally
I recently interviewed Dr. Robin Buckley for my LinkedIn Live series on Writing about Mental Health Topics, who agreed that leaders sharing their stories is a powerful tool for breaking the stigma. In fact, one of her services is helping leaders write their stories. How cool is that?!
Have you shared your mental health story yet? If so, and you’re interested in being featured in this newsletter, send me a note. I’ll be regularly sharing powerful mental health stories as one more way to break the stigma of mental illness and change how our culture sees mental health.
Staying Mentally Fit as a Founder or Professional
We can be here all day talking about our culture’s issues with mental health, but likely, you are already aware of said issues. You’re here because you want the good stuff–the tools, support, and knowledge to improve your mental health.
This month, I present…..the top five ways I try to stay mentally fit as a founder:
Lean on my community of fellow entrepreneurs who understand what I’m going through.
Work when it works for me.
Take on projects that I love and clients I enjoy.
Hire people to help me because I can’t do it all myself.
Participate in activities outside of my business.
You can still use these tips even if you don’t work for yourself. Find a community of like-minded individuals to lean on and do things you enjoy outside of work. In the workplace, look for a company with a mission you believe in, is flexible with your schedule, and encourages asking for help.
Notice I said “the top five ways I TRY to stay mentally fit” because the truth is… sometimes these tactics don’t help. Last year was a pretty tough year for me personally, and my mental health suffered, regardless of the practices I implemented. And that’s something to remember–no one is mentally fit 100% of the time because, well, that’s just life.
Send me your feedback
There you have it—my first Mentally Fit Founder newsletter. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback so I can make this the best thing you read all month—or a close second, if nothing else. 😉
Be sure to follow @mentallyfitfounder on Instagram and/or my personal LinkedIn, where you can find all the goodies, I’ve shared during Mental Health Awareness Month and year-round.
Keep it real, my friend!
Until next time,
Lauren Elizabeth Perna
