Whitney Fishburn
Supporting Employees who are parenting children ...

You probably offer your employees some form of health benefits. But is your benefits package robust enough to fully support your employees’ range of total health needs if they are to be fully present at work and resilient? 


One often overlooked area of employee support is for parents of children with mental health concerns. A survey published earlier this year by Lyra Health found that over half of the more than 1,900 U.S. workers surveyed support a child with a mental health concern. Yet, the survey also found that “worker confidence in their employer-provided resources for their kids’ mental health is lagging behind companies’ investments in this area.” 


This gap can mean your employees aren’t able to devote the time and attention necessary for peak performance, costing both you and them in the long run. 


“Having a child with an untreated mental health issue is going to take parents out of the workplace. Their mind and energy will be elsewhere,” says Kendall Browne, PhD, senior program manager of Workforce Transformation at Lyra Health.

Supporting Employees who are parenting children in mental health crisis
Whitney Fishburn
Navigating the Aftermath: A Therapist's ...
Whitney Fishburn
Unsung Heroes: Honoring Mental Health ...

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to highlight the vital yet often unacknowledged role of caregivers. For those who support loved ones experiencing mental health challenges, this month is an opportunity to honor their dedication, recognize their struggles, and empower them with resources.

Unsung Heroes: Honoring Mental Health Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month
Mens Mental Health, mental health, suicide prevention
Whitney Fishburn
Veterans in the Spotlight: Under-Addressed ...

Veterans’ Mental Health: Where We Need to Focus

Veterans face unique mental health challenges that too often go under-addressed, from military sexual trauma and transitional stress to the long-term impact of PTSD. These experiences don’t just affect mental well-being—they can shape every aspect of a Veteran’s life, from personal relationships to reintegration into civilian roles. Yet there is reason to be hopeful: today, more than ever, there’s a focus on empowering Veterans as community and workplace mental health leaders. With evolving peer support programs and resources designed to remove cultural and financial barriers, we’re seeing real progress in providing accessible, culturally competent mental health care. By positioning Veterans at the forefront of these initiatives, we can harness their resilience and leadership, creating stronger communities and workplaces while ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

Veterans in the Spotlight: Under-Addressed Mental Health Challenges and Effective Resources
Whitney Fishburn
The Papageno Effect: Harnessing Positive ...

Earlier this year,  I attended the European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior (ESSSB) in Rome. One of the plenary presentations by Prof Thomas Niederkrotenthaler, of the Medical University of Vienna,  illuminated the powerful impact of the “Papageno Effect” on suicide prevention. 

The Papageno Effect: Harnessing Positive Storytelling for Hope and Recovery in Suicide Prevention

Anxiety

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Election Eve -- Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other

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Election Eve -- Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other

In the United States stand on the eve of a high-stakes, tight election. It’s natural to feel emotions running high. For many, this moment brings a sense of urgency, uncertainty, and even strain as we navigate a deeply divided time. This division can challenge our relationships and our sense of belonging, sometimes even driving wedges between cherished loved ones.

Tonight, let’s remember that regardless of outcome, our shared humanity remains. Practicing civility can help keep us grounded and connected during this challenging time.

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The Long Haul -- COVID-19, Prolonged Toxic Stress & Mental Health at Work: The Bad News, the Good News & 10 Action Steps Employers Can Take that Make a Difference

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The Long Haul -- COVID-19, Prolonged Toxic Stress & Mental Health at Work: The Bad News, the Good News & 10 Action Steps Employers Can Take that Make a Difference

As we approach 2021, we are still adjusting to the many new ways the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting just about every aspect of our lives. Many are asking -- How has COVID-19 impacted workplace wellbeing? Are we facing a “perfect storm” of risk factors for suicide or are there aspects of this crisis that give us hope in our resilient human spirit? Finally, what can workplaces do during this time to support workers and their families?