Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.
Mental health stigma is real, even in this day and age. There are still snide comments and perceptions about mental health that are unhelpful, and out-of-step with what we know about how the brain works.
The only way through this is for brave people to speak up, and to normalize an understanding of mental wellness.
Late in this month’s Wellness course, there is this slide, featuring a couple dozen famous people who openly discuss their issues with mental health (in the course, you can click on each image and see a bit of their story). It takes courage to come forward and share this very personal experience.
Terry Bradshaw, the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers legend and 4-time Super Bowl champion, was one of them. He’s known for his gregarious personality and has had incredible personal and professional success, and yet he deals with depression – and is vocal about it.
No one’s path is the same, and no one’s path is easy. We should appreciate the willingness of anyone who shares about their personal journey with mental health – it makes a difference.
ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 50 companies, and thousands of construction professionals, better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.