Addressing mental health and environmental concerns separately is a misstep in addressing comprehensive well-being for all.
Seven long years ago, I embarked on a life-changing climate expedition to the frozen wilds of Antarctica. The towering, glistening ice shelves, bewitching in their fragility, left me feeling both awe-struck and uneasy at the reality of hotter global temperatures threatening their existence.
That breathtaking experience awakened within me a shower of emotions that I've come to label as "eco-anxiety" - a heavy, steady dread caused by witnessing the grisly devastation wrought upon our planet. This emotional maelstrom paved the way for me to establish WorkWell Leaders, an unyielding crusade dedicated to championing workplace well-being and fostering sustainable growth.
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Mental health | Environmental issues | Health and well-being | ST Working Well
On the heels of my Antarctic adventure and the birth of eco-anxiety, I found myself on a new mission. WorkWell Leaders wasn't just a charity; it was a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of leadership in fostering a better, greener, and more mentally healthful world.
The connection between climate change and mental health can feel tenuous for some, but it is one that demands closer examination. Environmental devastation and its emotional repercussions have become increasingly dire, and I believe that addressing them head-on is essential for the well-being of both individuals and entire organizations.
Promoting workplace well-being is about much more than just providing access to mental health resources; it's about creating a culture that recognizes, supports, and addresses the environmental concerns that weigh heavily on many people's minds. By aligning personal values with professional actions, we can build a bridge between climate change advocacy and holistic well-being initiatives.
The climate expedition that set me on this path taught me that action, informed by empathy and an uncompromising commitment to growth, is the key to breaking the cycle of fear and anxiety that environmental crises breed. I invite you to join me in standing up for the well-being of our planet and ourselves, because the time to act is now, and our future depends on it.
[1]: "Eco-anxiety: Is Focusing on the Climate Crisis a Mental Health Problem?" Psychology Today, 8 May 2020, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/therapy-by-the-books/202005/eco-anxiety-focusing-climate-crisis-mental-health-problem.[2]: "The Importance of Support and Well-Being in the Workplace for the Mental Health of Employees" APA Practice Organization, https://www.apa.org/about/policy/workplace/emotional-support.[3]: "Reducing Employee Stress and Improving Productivity Through Environmental Sustainability" Urban Land Institute (ULI), 18 July 2019, https://uli.org/knowledge-community/education/li-journal/productivity-measurement-and-leasing/the-intangible-benefits-of-sustainability.[4]: "Expedition Blue: Balancing Economic and Environmental Health in Golden, CO" Colorado Public Radio, 20 Aug 2021, https://www.cpr.org/2021/08/20/expedition-blue-balancing-economic-and-environmental-health-in-golden-co/.
I delved further into the nexus of climate change and mental health, uncovering that addressing these intertwined issues is crucial for individual and organizational well-being. This revelation led me to urge organizations to prioritize mental health resources and a culture that recognizes and supports environmental concerns, bridging the gap between climate advocacy and holistic well-being initiatives.
WorkWell Leaders serves as a symbol of hope, demonstrating how leadership can drive actions towards creating a better, greener, and more mentally healthful world. By advocating for this cause, I aim to inspire others to join the fight against the anxiety and fear brought about by environmental crises.
