Setting up your organization, classroom, or workplace for mental health success

Provide structure and routine

  • Provide a roadmap toward collective goals. Make space for people to step away from activities and return with a full understanding of what happens during their absence.
  • Give clear details on behavior expectations, policies, and assignments.
  • Simplify work by using a minimal number of technological tools or complexities.
  • Create regular routines for task completion.

Be flexible and understanding.

  • Build flexiblity into the structure itself. Plan remote options in advance so people can reengage if they need to step away for a period of time.
  • Set expectations for open communication about what happens when someone cannot complete tasks or focus.
  • Be aware of and discuss larger events that may impact the community's mental health as a whole. Pre-plan for flexibility and lighter loads during times that you anticipate being challenging.

Maintain open communication.

  • Host individual or small group conversations.
  • Create opportunities for individualized interactions.
  • Communicate in a welcoming, compassionate tone.
  • Maintain consistent communication.
  • Help people find the spaces to check in with each other.

Create a safe atmosphere.

  • Remember that some may not feel safe speaking openly due to persistent inequities, previous experiences, or fears of repercussions.
  • Set a tone of inclusion and respect.
  • Create opportunities for members to engage with and get to know each other.
  • Give frequent feedback and offer opportunities for improvement.
  • Design your space to be as inclusive as possible.

Take time for self-care.

  • The demands of campus combined with all the factors happening in the broader community and word can feel overwhelming at times. Take time for self-care to maintain your own wellness.
  • Focus on healthy habits.
  • Support and engage with your group and encourage them to have healthy habits.
  • Share ideas with peers on how to support your community.

Advocate for systemic shifts that prioritize wellbeing.

As you work to create a healthier ecosystem around your and your peers, consider what barriers may be faced. Are there opportunities to advocate to remove those systemic barriers?

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