Spotlight on Mental Health: When Leaders Speak from Lived Experience

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the psychological stresses that accompanied it, Americans are increasingly open about mental health. A recent Pew Research Center survey finds that majorities are very comfortable talking to a close friend (57%), immediate family member (52%) or mental health therapist (50%) about their mental health and emotional well-being.[1] While this represents positive progress, it also means that four in ten Americans are still reluctant to talk about this.

Over the past few years, some business leaders have related their first-hand experiences with mental health to help reduce the stigma associated with the topic. In doing so, they have also adopted a style of open communication that represents a sea change from the days when executives maintained strict boundaries between their personal and the professional lives.