Supporting Mental Health Beyond Awareness Month
We’ve made great progress in reducing the stigma around talking about mental health in the workplace. But supporting mental health isn’t just about recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month—it’s about showing up for employees all year long.
According to Forbes, there are seven tried-and-true ways to support employees’ mental health. At Virtual Rockstar, we’re proud to say we actively promote a culture of well-being. But don’t just take our word for it—hear it from our team.
1. Awareness
General awareness of mental health is a start. But it’s also critical to educate and train leaders to spot signs of mental illness so they can step in and support employees. A decline in performance, irritable behavior, or disengagement may signal a deeper issue.
“Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. It influences our ability to handle stress, build relationships, and make decisions. When mental health is neglected, it can lead to serious consequences, including physical health problems, reduced productivity, and strained relationships. Raising awareness about mental health is essential because it helps break the stigma that often surrounds mental illnesses, encouraging more people to speak up and seek help without fear or shame. Awareness also promotes early intervention, which can prevent conditions from worsening and support quicker recovery. By educating communities, spreading accurate information, and advocating for better resources and policies, we create a more understanding and supportive environment where mental well-being is prioritized. Ultimately, fostering awareness and open dialogue can lead to healthier individuals and stronger, more compassionate societies.”
2. Communication
Employees don’t always feel safe discussing mental health concerns with a supervisor. Proactively engaging in regular check-ins and showing genuine concern for employees as people—not just as workers—makes a difference.
“Communication takes many forms, and it’s okay to express yourself in a way that feels right, whether through journaling, speaking, or even physical expressions. Lately, I’ve been journaling my thoughts and feelings, which has helped me become more aware of my emotions and triggers. Some days, reaching out to someone can be difficult, especially as an adult balancing responsibilities. But finding ways to communicate, even in small steps, can make a difference.”
3. Flexibility
Flexible hours aren’t just a perk—they’re a mental health necessity. According to the American Psychological Association, 34% of employees say flexible work hours would improve their mental health. Autonomy over work schedules boosts motivation and emotional well-being.
“One of the things that helps me maintain healthy coping mechanisms is having a flexible work schedule while working from home. Surely this allows me to slow down in our fast-paced world. I strongly believe that flexibility gives me the space to take a step back and just breathe—something WE all need to do to function at our best while also prioritizing our mental well-being.”
5. Proactive Support for Well-Being
Encouraging employees to take vacation days, allowing mental health days, and creating opportunities to rest and recharge fosters a culture of care.
“As an introvert working from home, I used to slip into a routine of just working and sleeping, thinking that was enough. But I’ve learned that surviving isn’t the same as living. Proactive support for well-being means being intentional about how we take care of ourselves, before burnout creeps in. It’s about making time to breathe, to pause, and to check in with yourself, not just when things feel heavy, but every single day. It’s choosing to take a walk, treat yourself to something you enjoy, or simply rest without guilt. These little acts of care aren’t selfish, they’re necessary. We weren’t meant to live on autopilot. We deserve more than just work and sleep. We deserve balance, peace, and moments that make us feel whole. So be kind to yourself. Create space for joy. That’s what proactive support for well-being looks like.”
6. Inclusiveness
A workplace where employees feel safe and valued fosters resilience and support among colleagues. Reviewing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies with mental health in mind is key.
“As VA mental health is as important as physical health, a healthy mind leads to better service for clients and for ourselves. Raising awareness is very important so we can break the stigma. Being a VA for a long time, I’ve encountered different clients and teams, and surely a workplace can ruin your mental health. That’s why I am very thankful that Rockstar VA made sure everyone—regardless of background, location, or accent—felt heard and appreciated. In Rockstar, anytime you can express your worries and problems with your clients, and the team will surely help. This kind of environment didn’t just make me feel welcome; it made me want to give my best every single day. So it is vital that we encourage and empower one another to seek help without feeling shame or fear. We all go through struggles, challenges, and hardships, so let’s continue to speak up, check on each other, and remind one another that it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s more than okay to ask for help because no one should struggle in silence!”
7. Stress Management
Stress isn’t a mental health issue itself, but it’s a major risk factor. Well-being programs that provide resources for stress management—like mindfulness and meditation—help prevent chronic stress.
“Being a Virtual Assistant is such a rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of prioritizing overall wellness, especially mental health. When stress is left unmanaged, it can affect not only us, but also the people we support and the businesses we help grow. As a working mom on a graveyard shift, I make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep, or I take short naps throughout the day to stay mentally sharp. Though it’s challenging to be consistent, I try to do brisk walks, Pilates, or simple stretching at least three times a week. I begin my workday by nourishing my soul with a prayer, a meditation song, and a devotional reading. These practices help me center myself and prepare for the day ahead. On weekends, I unplug by spending quality time with my family and joining social activities like church gatherings. It’s my way of resetting and refreshing for the week ahead. Listen to your body. Pay attention to signs of burnout. Seek help when needed. And most importantly, make time for the things that bring you joy. A healthy, happy VA leads to happy clients - and that’s a win for everyone.”
A healthy workforce is the foundation of a thriving organization and a stronger community.
Mental health support shouldn’t be an afterthought. If you’re a leader, take time to assess how your workplace supports employee well-being. If you’re an employee, know that prioritizing your mental health is not just okay—it’s necessary.
Let’s commit to making mental health a priority, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but every day of the year.
