In certain fields, talking about your own mental health is generally considered acceptable. For example, many therapists have therapists of their own. People working in creative fields often work on projects in which they open up about their mental health struggles.

But in many industries, talking about your mental health is viewed negatively. You might feel like you have to toughen up and keep your chin up no matter what, and sharing a more vulnerable side of yourself will lead to mocking, disrespect from coworkers, or even lost opportunities.

Here’s how to manage your mental health when talking about it is taboo in your industry.

Talk to Trusted Coworkers

Remember, just because mental health issues are often brushed under the rug in your industry does not mean that you’re all alone. Chances are, many of your coworkers deal with issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

You don’t necessarily need to tell everyone you work with about your own mental health. Instead, try broaching the topic with a few trustworthy coworkers first. Cultural changes in an organization can start with the efforts of just a few people. If you can connect with a few people who feel the same way you do, you might be able to kick off the changes you’d like to see.

Check in with Your Team

Has one of your coworkers seemed down lately? Check-in with them to see how they’re doing. Listen closely when your coworkers open up to you about their personal lives. Although they might not explicitly discuss their mental health, they may drop hints that they’re struggling.

By offering other people support when they need it, you can help your team get more comfortable asking for help. It’s important to emphasize that there is no shame in depending on each other.

Suggest New Programs

Depending on your position in the company, you might have the ear of a particular manager or supervisor who has the power to implement new workplace wellness programs. Or maybe you are in a management position, and you can personally launch new programs.

If you have an idea for a workplace program that might help employees manage their mental health, why not suggest it to the higher ups? You never know how many people you could help in the long run!

Recommend Changes to Lessen Stress

Sometimes, what’s needed isn’t an additional workplace program, but changes to certain processes and workflows at your company so that employees can save time, better manage their workloads, and experience less stress during the day.

Perhaps a particular process is needlessly stressful. Or maybe you’ve identified certain additions to your benefits package that could help employees outside of the office. You may want to bring these suggestions to upper management to see if you can make an impact.

Seek Support Despite Stigma

It can be hard to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health in your industry. However, please do not let this stigma stop you from getting the help that you need. Even if you’re not ready to tell your coworkers that you’re seeking therapy, you have every right to reach out for professional support when you’re struggling.

You do not need to continue suffering in silence. Furthermore, if you feel that you are genuinely unable to work with a therapist as long as you work in this industry, it may be time to look for a new position.

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Are you struggling with the taboo surrounding mental health in your industry? Don’t let the stigma stop you from talking to a therapist. Reach out today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.