VOL. 07  |  ISSUE 3  |  September 2024

Most people generally recognize if they are feeling under the weather or experiencing some type of physical pain and know what actions they should take. It’s not as simple when talking about mental health.

In this Doc Talk, Dr. Richard Vinroot, Vice President and Global Medical Director, discusses the importance of mental well-being and some simple actions people can take to help be their best – both in the workplace and at home.

Why is mental health so important for today’s workforce?

When people are talking about wellness and the health of an individual, we usually focus on what people would consider the physical health of that individual, and they sometimes forget that mental health is a facet of overall general health.

When folks spend a significant part of their lives with us, it’s our duty to understand everybody faces challenges that can be demanding from a mental health standpoint. As a company, we want to acknowledge that people can have issues with anxiety or depression. We also want to make sure employees can recognize issues with their colleagues, and we want to provide them with access to programs that can assist with mental health challenges.

And lastly, as a company, we want to be a place where people want to be, where they feel supported and cared about, and they are given a healthy, supportive environment where they can do their jobs well.

Physical illnesses or injuries are easier to recognize for most people. How can employees monitor their own mental health?

It’s easy to see when somebody breaks their arm or has a respiratory infection. Mental health is not always easy to see. For a lot of people, in their cultures or in their communities, it’s not something they really want to talk about. I’m not implying we have a major mental health problem here at Freeport because I don’t think we do. We have resilient workers who cope with some of these challenges in ways that are very productive.

Nonetheless, it’s critical we pay close attention to our mental health. I recently was certified as a mental health first aid provider. The training is interesting because it talks about how to recognize issues with mental health. You see people’s personalities changing; they’re not as happy as they seem. Or they may be short or may be angry with people. They may have outbursts or not get their work done. Somebody who normally is a very high performer all of a sudden may not be performing very well. Changes like that may be signs they are suffering or experiencing something that is a mental health issue.

Need help getting started?

Spring Health, the company’s employee assistance program, is available with resources and support anytime at 1-855-629-0554 or fmi.springhealth.com. If prompted, use code: Freeport.

What should people do if they see those signs in a co-worker?

If it’s a colleague you are close to, we should all feel comfortable talking to them and supporting them. That doesn’t necessarily mean calling HR or their supervisor; it’s talking to them and saying, “I’ve noticed that you don’t seem as happy as usual.” Just talk to them. Most people can do a pretty good assessment. You want to make sure you are supportive and not judging them. We should all be each other’s keeper. All of us as employees know each other quite well.

As a medical professional, do you see that historically there has been a stigma attached to mental health, and do you believe people are getting more comfortable seeking help for mental health challenges?

I think there can be a stigma attached, and maybe there is a fear of asking for help given the industry we are in. We are in an industry that is located primarily in rural areas, where the people who work in it are viewed as being tough. You have to be mindful of that. We want to make sure folks know it’s OK to let someone know you’re having trouble. It’s OK to reach out to your supervisor or your colleagues, and say, “I need some help.” Obviously, HR and medical professionals should be involved, but we don’t want there to be that stigma.

Fortunately, the world is waking up and noticing that wellness isn’t just physical wellness, but it’s your mental and psychological wellness as well.

When considering asking for help, do you believe people generally find comfort knowing others may be facing similar challenges?

Absolutely. Life is stressful, and work is stressful. We all have similar stresses, whether it’s family issues, medical issues or financial stress. It is important to feel safe and supported when experiencing issues. That may mean you get over your stress by jogging 5 miles or you get over your sadness by working with a mental health professional. The main thing is to get help.

What are some of your recommendations for employees seeking to pay better attention to their own mental health?

There are so many things people can do to help increase their chances of having good mental wellness. That’s exercise. That’s avoidance of chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes. Eating well. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol as much as possible. People who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol excessively and use other substances are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. It’s a proven fact.

We want Freeport to be a place where employees are supported, so they don’t feel alone. We want this to be a place where employees have the resources to improve their mental health and where they want to be because of friendships and supportive colleagues and supervisors.

Column ideas or specific questions can be sent to Damon Gross, Manager-Content and Editorial Operations, at dgross@fmi.com.