This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental health as a result. The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of individuals and communities.
Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. That’s why this Mental Health Month, Women Who Cowork is gifting 30 days of founder support for womxn and nonbinary founders of the coworking movement for entire month of May. We will also be highlighting #Tools2Thrive, a public awareness campaign from Mental Health America and #Tools4Founders,an initiative from Conscious Ambition to share mental health resources for entrepreneurs. Each of these resources provides tips and tools that individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19.
Throughout the pandemic, many people who had never experienced mental health challenges found themselves struggling for the first time. During the month of May, we are focusing on different topics that can help process the events of the past year and the feelings that surround them, while also building up skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19.
We know that the past year forced many to accept tough situations that they had little to no control over. If you found that it impacted your mental health, you aren’t alone. In fact, of the almost half a million individuals that took the anxiety screening at MHAscreening.org, 79% showed symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. However, there are practical tools that can help improve your mental health. We are focused on managing anger and frustration, recognizing when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenging negative thinking patterns, and making time to take care of yourself.
It’s important to remember that working on your mental health and finding tools that help you thrive takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of the past year and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis.
A great starting point for anyone who is ready to start prioritizing their mental health is to take a mental health screening at MHAscreening.org. It’s a quick, free, and confidential way for someone to assess their mental health and begin finding hope and healing.
Ultimately, during this month of May, Women Who Cowork wants to remind everyone that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is possible. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive and sharing #Tools4Founders with your coworking community, it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic. At Women Who Cowork, we also believe that coworking spaces are uniquely positioned to destigmatize mental health in entrepreneurship and support the mental health of their members.
For more information, visit www.mhanational.org/may and www.consciousambition,com/tools4founders.
If you are a womxn or non-binary founder in the coworking movement, please grab your 30 days of free support and start prioritizing your self-care and mental wellness today.
Other Relevant Posts on Mental Health for Coworking Communities:
4 Ways a Community Space Can Support the Mental Health of Their Community
8 Tips to Helpp You Navigate a Suicide Crisis in Your Coworking Community