How to Be a Mental Health Ally

Research shows that someone you know — a colleague, a family member, a friend, a client, a board member, or even yourself — will experience a mental health challenge at some point in your life. Recognizing this possibility can arm yourself in advance to support the people in your life and contribute to creating a supportive workplace. Some of the most effective ways you can be a mental health ally are to talk one-on-one with colleagues who are struggling, use supportive language, educate yourself and colleagues about mental health, encourage group engagement, and create policies that help employees who need it. People with mental health challenges, no matter the severity, can thrive in the workplace and be valuable team members. Allies play an important role by helping to provide the empathy and compassion they need to overcome key challenges.