In June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released the largest review of world mental health since the turn of the century, calling for deeper understanding and commitment to mental health awareness. Telum spoke with several PR and comms professionals on promoting mental health awareness in the industry. 

Dan Lun, CEO, Voltage X
The PR and comms industry can help shift the conversation around mental health by advising clients and brands to integrate supportive campaigns around removing stigma. Mental health education is key to raising awareness and deepening our understanding of mental health. The more information available, the better for those in need of seeking suitable channels for support. 

The greatest impact is through a top-down method. The impact of shifting mindsets on an individual level is a slow process but by leaning on the network of major brands and corporates that have credibility within society, we are able to create more impact with a larger reach with their help through campaigns and positive messaging. This top-down method allows us to seed, activate and share these important messaging with the masses in a more time-effective way.

Carol Liang, Deputy CEO, Mind HK
The PR and comms industry is in a prime place to be a change-maker in reducing mental health stigma. We have the power to shift the language around mental health from stigmatising to destigmatising, which can be life-changing to many.

While media largely informs how mental health is perceived in society, it is also important to recognise that we must also support those within the industry. Journalists' mental health in Hong Kong has been significantly impacted in recent times; a recent survey shows that journalists report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms compared to the general public. 

The more aware and informed we are as professionals, the more we'll have the power to reduce stigma and empower people to open up and seek help when they start struggling. Here are some examples of what can be done:

• Follow respected mental health reporting guidelines
• Learn about mental health
• Talk more about mental health to help normalise it
• Use stories of recovery to inspire others
• Avoid linking mental health conditions to violence
• Make small changes in your day-to-day conversations, e.g. avoid describing people as "mental", "OCD" or "bipolar" based on their actions
• Differentiate between specific mental health conditions, e.g. depression and anxiety, and general mental health and well-being

Adrian Bebbington-Wong, Marketing and Communications Lead, Neurum Health
The comms industry has one of the highest turnover rates of all industries. Common reasons include work burnout and fatigue. The UN suggested that digital mental health care tools are effective in bolstering employees’ mental health and wellness. Deloitte also released findings that every £1 spent on improving the mental health of employees will yield an average £5 return. The return-on-investment is clear.
 
Digital mental health assets can help ensure that employees are supported in a non-biased manner regardless of where they are on the mental health spectrum. Through them, employees can access skill-based learning programmes that include practical skills to overcome challenges, develop healthy mindsets and thrive at work (e.g., learning how to support colleagues going through hardship or how to navigate conflicts at work). They also reduce the barriers to accessing professional mental health practitioners.
 
Looking forward, employers in the comms industry ought to realise that the essence of “Future of Work” is the present - there is no better time to re-evaluate your employees’ needs, re-engage and re-energise the teams’ mind and lifestyle health.