ECD Chair’s May 2024 Message
May 2024
Dear PRSA ECD Community:
As we step into May, a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, I find it more relevant than ever to share not just facts and figures but also personal stories that underscore the silent battles many of us face daily. This month, as your Chair, I choose to open up about my own struggles with depression and severe anxiety, which are a constant challenge. Additionally, I carry the weight of knowing my daughter, a brave suicide survivor, continues to wrestle with her mental health.
These experiences are deeply personal yet universally resonant because they remind us of the often invisible struggles that can profoundly affect our lives and work. Our industry is not immune to these challenges. It amplifies them. A recent study by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) revealed that a staggering 90% of PR professionals experienced mental health issues.
The data paints a clear picture: 67% of our colleagues cite overwhelming workloads as a significant stress factor; 61% feel guilty for taking needed mental health breaks; and shockingly, 40% have felt unable to speak up about their struggles. These are not just numbers; they reflect our everyday realities.
PRSA ECD recognizes the urgent need to address these issues head-on. This is why we have conducted our own survey to assess your thoughts on stress, burnout, and the support needed within our industry. Your responses will be instrumental in shaping our mental health advocacy efforts in 2024 and beyond, ensuring that our community is heard and supported.
In light of this, I urge each of us to champion well-being within our teams and organizations. Here are some action steps we can take:
1. Promote Open Conversations: Encourage discussions about mental health to destigmatize these workplace issues.
2. Implement Regular Check-Ins: Foster an environment where managers regularly check in on the mental well-being of their team members, not just their productivity.
3. Support Flexible Work Arrangements: Advocate for policies recognizing the importance of mental health days and flexible work hours.
4. Educate and Train: Provide mental health awareness training for all employees to equip them with the skills to support each other.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to being leaders not only in PR but also in creating a supportive environment where everyone can openly discuss and manage their mental health.
Thank you for participating in our survey. We look forward to sharing the survey results in the June newsletter and providing additional resources throughout the year from which to benefit.
Warm regards,
Jennifer L. Kramer, APR
2024 ECD Board Chair
