The workplace is the new front line for mental health in Texas
On Global Mental Health Awareness Day, observed Oct. 10, it’s important to recognize an ongoing challenge: Texas continues to struggle with access to mental health care, as reflected in its ranking by Forbes among the lower-performing states in this area.
A major factor is the shortage of mental health providers, which makes it harder for those who need care to receive it.
Fortunately, Texas has begun to address this crisis by opposing new certification requirements to allow for faster certification and recruitment of mental health professionals. This is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done.
The workplace, in particular, has emerged as a critical front line in the battle for mental health.
For many, work is where the pressures of life and career collide, amplifying the impact of mental health struggles. This is especially true for women. According to a 2024 report released by the Texas Conference for Women, a whopping 98% of women consider health and well-being in the workplace “very” or “extremely” important.
However, this report also shows that while 82% of the 4,385 women surveyed said their employer offered a program designed to address health and well-being, 60% did not take advantage of it.
Among the most common reasons cited were that they feared repercussions, thought the offerings were of poor quality, and said they had no time to take advantage of them.
As one woman said: “Poor mental health is frequently viewed as a sign of weakness or a defect, so I’d rather not have anything about my mental health linked to something within my company.”
Another said: “The mental health resources provided by my employer seem to be ‘because this looks good’ and not ‘because our employees matter.”
And another: “Part of the drain on my mental health has been the constant overwork and having too many responsibilities. I can barely find time some days to eat or take a break, let alone look into the services and resources offered.”
This is unacceptable–for women and employers.
Workplace mental health programs are vital for retention and productivity and are also a key component in ensuring the well-being and long-term success of employees. Employers who recognize this can make a profound difference in their workers’ lives and in their bottom lines. Put another way, supporting mental health is not just a moral imperative; it’s smart business.
To that end, the Texas Conference for Women–part of the nation’s largest network of women’s conferences–is proud to announce the development of a new initiative to support the mental well-being of women across the state. In partnership with Paragon Performance Evolution, this free three-month well-being program will launch in January 2025 under the theme of “New Year, New You!”.
We believe it is vital to offer programs that help address the challenges we know women face today–as this program will do by offering techniques proven to decrease stress and anxiety, improve sleep, increase mental clarity and decision-making, and create deeper interpersonal connections.
However, this issue is bigger than the Texas Conference for Women community, which has attracted more than 135,000 women to its annual gathering over the past 25 years.
So, as we mark this important day for mental health awareness, we encourage Texas employers to take the lead in supporting their teams so that, together, we can make Texas a place where mental health is prioritized for all.
After all, as women thrive, so does Texas.
Fields is the president of the board of theTexas Conference for Women, which is dedicated to advancing women in the workplace and beyond.
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