By LaKisha Watson, MS, LCDCI, Manager, AllOne Therapy
Work is where many of us spend the majority of our waking hours. Some spend countless hours pouring ourselves into deadlines, meetings, emails, and expectations. And while it can be fulfilling, meaningful, and even energizing at times, it can also quietly wear us down.
Stress in the workplace is nothing new. But what we often don’t talk about is how deeply it affects our mental health. The pressure to perform, to “keep it together,” to show up with a smile even when you’re struggling. It can feel relentless. And for many, the workplace becomes a place where we suppress instead of support our emotional well-being.
Sometimes it looks like burnout. Sometimes it’s emotional exhaustion that lingers long after you clock out. Sometimes it’s the anxiety of unread emails, unspoken expectations, or being the only one who looks like you in the room. And sometimes, it’s simply the small tasks that begin to pile up.
The truth is our jobs impact our mental health, and our mental health impacts how we show up at work.
That’s why it’s so important to create space for both. We need environments that make it okay to not be okay. Leaders who model vulnerability. Systems that make rest and support part of the culture, not just rewards for productivity.
But even in workplaces that are still catching up, we can start by giving ourselves something simple but powerful: permission to pause.
This Week’s Call to Action
Take one mindful moment for yourself during the workday.
Step away from your screen. Take three deep breaths. Stretch your body. Check in with your emotions. Ask: How am I doing? And what do I need right now, even if just for five minutes?
Taking care of your mind is not selfish, it’s sustainable.
Closing Thoughts
Mental health at work isn’t just an HR initiative or a wellness perk. It’s essential. When we care for ourselves, we show up more grounded, more present, and more human.
So this week, let’s normalize the pause. Let’s create space for presence, not just performance.
If you’re looking for support, consider AllOne Therapy. To learn more, visit us.