The lazy days of summer holidays were ending when our lives changed dramatically. Our daughter, who had just turned 14, attempted to take her own life.

Her struggle with anorexia had been a constant worry for some months and was something we’d struggled to wrap our heads around. It’s not an Illness that considers the love of food, but she was part of a family that cherished long days of cooking and meals around the table — a tradition deep in our way of expressing love. Known for her adventurous palate, having enjoyed such delicacies as blue cheese since she was two, her anorexia was a stark contrast to the vibrant life she typically embraced.

The night she attempted to take her own life was the most traumatic night of my life. I was completely consumed with worry, emotions that didn’t allow me to sleep for over a week, such was the hyper vigilance that ensued. Along with it came a consumption of fear, shame and inconsolable feelings that I’d failed in my number one duty — to keep her safe.

Navigating that shame became a turning point.

The Evolution of Sharing

What began as whispered attempts to process my all-consuming terror gradually grew into broader conversations. Initially sharing within my innermost circle, the discussions expanded as I found a glimmer of comfort in connection. For some reason though, when I had to let work know I wouldn’t be there Monday, I couldn’t write the email myself. It’s critical to me that I share why. When clearing my diary that week, for reasons I can’t quite articulate, I decided to share the reason with several senior stakeholders.

Without exception, the only response I got was absolute support. In return, others came forward, sharing their stories.  

Over the initial two weeks following her suicide attempt, while grappling with all-consuming worry, my mind kept turning to doing something to let other people know that they’re not alone. My first anonymous article about that night resonated widely. Over the weekend it was published, it attracted over 150,000 readers and ranked among the top five read national articles. This overwhelming response highlighted the pervasive but often silent struggle many face with mental health.

By the time RU OK Day came around in September, I was ready — under Chatham House rules and with my daughter’s permission — to put my name to my experiences, sharing them with hundreds at work. This significantly strengthened my resolve to advocate for mental health both within and beyond my professional role.

We were still navigating unspeakable terrain in our family, but in rare quiet moments I started to read and consume content about mental health struggles and how others approached challenges. I came across a case study that embodied strategic leadership at Lloyds bank. Antonio Horta-Osorio, chief executive officer of Lloyds Banking Group, personifies how personal challenges can transform into organizational strengths. Facing severe insomnia that led him to take eight weeks leave, Horta-Osorio wrote about his struggles and his transformation to return as a champion for mental health initiatives. His leadership facilitated the creation of more accessible mental health resources, training for managers to support struggling employees and a company culture encouraging open discussions about mental health. These measures not only enhanced employee well-being but also improved overall productivity, setting a benchmark for other corporations.

During this period, Simone Biles prioritized her mental health by pulling out of the Olympics, which created a great deal of furor. It strengthened my resolve and passion to eliminate stigma around mental health challenges. I also started thinking about that the fact that by 2025, 70% of the business to business (B2B) workforce will be under the age of 40. In addition to this, Forbes reported that “nearly … 86% of Generation Z and 89% of millennials say having a sense of purpose at work is key to their job satisfaction.”

Balancing Shareholder and Stakeholder Interests

The paradigm of corporate governance is shifting from solely maximizing shareholder profits to a broader consideration of all stakeholders, including employees, customers and the community. The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) highlight that sustainable business success now demands a balance of these varied interests. Companies embracing this approach benefit from enhanced reputational capital and sustained economic success by fostering a loyal and productive workforce.

Not only does social license to operate increasingly depend on this, but there is strong empirical evidence that this silent mental health struggle has an enormous economic cost. Multiple studies cite that around one in four or one in five people experience mental health issues each year. Research from NAMI attributes 62% of missed work days to mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports annual losses of $1 trillion globally due to productivity declines. The World Economic Forum predicts that, by 2030, mental health problems could cost the global economy $16 trillion.

There is a positive counter to these sobering statistics, and we as leaders have the opportunity alongside our people and culture colleagues to drive positive focus. Different research shows that investment by corporations in mental health yield substantial returns:

• Deloitte research and Mentally Healthy Workplaces shows a median return on investment (ROI) of $2.18 for every $1 spent, highlighting the profound benefits of these initiatives​.
• WHO shows an ROI of $4 for every $1 spent.
• A British study showcased even stronger returns, with every £1 spent on mental health provisions, employers received back £5 in reduced absence, presenteeism and staff turnover.

The negative effects of this have long arms — it’s a people issue, a financial issue and a reputational issue. Any response needs to be holistic, but as communications professionals, we are uniquely positioned to drive this transformative agenda to foster culture where leaders share mental health challenges. Our expertise in strategic communication and narrative development enables us to champion mental health initiatives that enhance workplace well-being and productivity, aligning business practices with ethical standards.

Leading With Purpose

Our professional roles offer a platform to effect substantial change, advocating for mental health not only as a moral imperative but as a strategic business advantage. By promoting mental health initiatives, we highlight their substantial economic returns, reinforcing that investing in mental health supports both societal well-being and business success.

As leaders in communications and marketing, let us champion these causes, driving messages that foster an inclusive, supportive and productive corporate culture. What started as a hushed whisper has become my great passion. If not me, then who?

Will you join me?

Join Katie Bennett-Stenton at her interactive session at IABC World Conference 2024 on 26 June to explore the underlying and often unspoken mental health crisis in the workplace. Learn how to have difficult investment discussions with senior leaders to allocate funds for mental health initiatives and leave with an actionable plan of initiatives tailored to your organization. Register to attend today.

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