How Companies Can Aid in the Mental Health Effort 

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

. http://yourhealthmagazine.net

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How Companies Can Aid in the Mental Health Effort 

Mental health issues are increasingly recognized as a global health crisis. In the United States alone, 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health issue every year. With so many people struggling, it stands to reason that companies of all kinds would sit up and take notice. 

As workplace and social interactions between businesses and consumers continue evolving, there has been a growing recognition of the emotional needs of employees and the market alike. Social media has contributed to this new realm of engagement, fostering mental health initiatives, recognition of the needs of employees, and the release of stigmas that surround mental health.

Indeed, there is transformative potential for corporate involvement within the mental health space. The influence that many businesses wield is enough to break down barriers and provide safe spaces for people to get in touch with their mental health needs and find a like-minded community. 

For many companies, it’s not just about selling a product or meeting revenue goals —- it’s about making connections. 

Threads of mental health awareness 

Stephanie Devli knew when she started her clothing brand that mental health awareness would be a part of her business plan, even though she had no experience in the fashion industry. In fact, she held a Master’s in the mental health field and was on the Ph.D. track when she started The Happy Camp3r during the pandemic. 

The business — which offers cozy sweatsuits, loungewear, and pajamas — soon took off, however. Upon witnessing The Happy Camp3r’s initial success, Devli realized she had a platform to continue her mental health advocacy.

“I’m fueled by a genuine fascination with the complexities of the human mind,” Devli told Founder Reports. “It was a field that was also deeply personal because I struggled with anxiety. I choose to be open about my experience with mental health because I believe in the power of vulnerability and shared narratives. Everyone has mental health and deals with their mental health. By sharing my journey, I aim to break down stigmas and foster a sense of community. That’s what my goal is with The Happy Camp3r.”

Through The Happy Camp3r, Devli has built a community where individuals who have a shared experience have found solace, understanding, and support — not to mention, comfy duds. To date, the company has been able to donate over $50,000 to a variety of mental health-aligned charities. 

“I ultimately want to make a positive impact with those who connect with the brand,” says Devli.

Cultural shifts and advocacy

There has been a noticeable cultural shift in recent years toward openness about mental health matters. Companies have encouraged employees to look after their mental health, introducing access to apps such as BetterHelp, Calm, and Headspace as benefits and guiding employees to take personal days to avoid burnout. 

Many entrepreneurs like Devli have also made mental health advocacy part of their overall brand, furthering the openness inherent in the current culture, and resulting in a positive brand image and dialogue that can help diminish the stigma that still surrounds mental health. Still, companies may not need to make mental health the focus of their whole platform. According to Devli, they can make a difference by leveraging their brand to promote awareness and advocate for the needs of those who struggle with various mental health issues on a broader scale. 

One example is the banking company Barclays, which used an employee-based campaign called “This is Me” in an attempt to build a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health struggles. By using their influence and wide platforms, companies show a commitment to social responsibility and build trust with consumers who value brands that are authentic and even vulnerable. 

Just as Devli has done with The Happy Camp3r, companies can even leverage their brands to support larger mental health initiatives within their communities and even nationwide. This support can include funding mental health charities, raising money for research, or sponsoring mental health resources for underserved populations. This allows businesses to make a significant impact by aligning their corporate social responsibility with mental health advocacy, strengthening their brand’s recognition as a socially responsible business. 

Companies can also look inward to increase mental health awareness. By supporting wellness initiatives in-house for their employees and offering training and education programs about mental health, companies can foster a supportive work environment that aligns with the values of empathy and respect. 

For Devli, building a business that focuses on mental health needs was something that she was driven to do. “Mental health is a universal aspect of the human experience, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, navigates their own mental health journey. It’s a shared reality that underscores our common humanity,” she told Founder Reports. 

Mental health is indeed a part of the human experience, one that most people come in contact with at one point or another. By weaving this human experience through one’s business, services, workplace, and interpersonal relationships with consumers, companies can position themselves as authentically compassionate organizations, making a positive impact on all of society.