Breaking the Silence

Natascha Topol
Dec 11, 2024By Natascha Topol

Mental health at work often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and we need to change that.


Imagine this: You hit "post" on a vulnerable LinkedIn update about losing your job.

Your stomach churns with uncertainty.

“Will anyone care?” you wonder.

But then—boom! Responses start flooding in. Words of kindness. Offers of help. And suddenly, what felt like a burden turns into a source of connection.

Why do we feel so alone in our struggles, especially in our careers? Society often paints a picture of the flawless employee—the one who juggles multiple tasks effortlessly. But let’s face it: We’re human. And mental health isn’t a "nice-to-have." It’s essential. It’s the thread that holds everything together—productivity, creativity, relationships, and even the very culture of the workplace.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Vulnerability is a superpower.
When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, it draws people in. The people who matter will rally around you. By sharing your struggles, you might discover a support system you never knew existed.

It’s okay to not be okay.
We’ve all been there. Whether you're burnt out or feeling a little lost, we’re all riding this rollercoaster called work life. And honestly? That’s more than okay. It’s human.

Kindness is closer than you think.
People are more compassionate than we often realise. A simple post or conversation can unlock an outpouring of support, reminding us that we’re not alone in our mental health journeys.

When you open up, you create a safe space for others to do the same. What begins as your story soon becomes everyone’s story. And that’s how culture shifts—one conversation at a time. So, don’t bottle it up.
Keeping everything inside is like carrying around a heavy backpack. Eventually, something’s going to give. But when you release that weight, even just a little at a time, you’ll find it’s easier to breathe.

Mental health fuels creativity.
When you’re mentally healthy, your ideas flow effortlessly. Creativity isn’t just born from inspiration; it’s cultivated in an environment where you feel safe, supported, and well.

But sometimes, the best thing you can do is not power through. Whether it’s a short break, a day off, or just a mindful moment, taking care of your mental health helps you show up even better when it counts.