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Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace—For Partners and Allies

The Mental Health Conversation We Can No Longer Ignore


At any given time, 1 in 5 adults in the United States is living with a mental health condition (NAMI, 2024). That means if you’re in a meeting with ten people, two of them are likely experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another diagnosable mental health issue.


And yet—mental health is still too often the invisible elephant in the room.


At Mattingly Solutions, we define inclusion as creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, seen, and heard. That includes those struggling with mental illness. But fostering true psychological safety means moving beyond platitudes like “It’s okay to not be okay,” and toward behavioral allyship and meaningful support.


In this blog, we’ll share guidance for two roles we all play:

  • Partners—those navigating mental health challenges

  • Allies—those in a position to support and advocate for them


For Those Living with Mental Health Challenges (Partners)

You are not alone. And you don't have to carry the burden of “passing” as okay just to maintain your professionalism. Instead of hiding, consider these ways to partner with others to get the support you need:


1. Know You’re Not Broken—You’re Human.

Your mental health condition is not a weakness or flaw. Just like physical illnesses, mental illness deserves attention, compassion, and care. Challenge the internalized stigma that says you have to be “tough” to be worthy of belonging at work.


2. Ask for What You Need.

You don’t owe anyone a diagnosis—but you do deserve support. If you’re comfortable, communicate your needs clearly:

  • “I’m experiencing some mental health challenges right now and could really use flexibility with this deadline.”

  • “I may need to take a break during meetings—thanks for understanding.”These disclosures take courage and can open the door for allyship.


3. Build a Network of Support.

Identify people at work who have shown empathy and discretion—your potential allies. Normalize checking in with one another and creating peer networks of mutual care.


For Colleagues Who Want to Help (Allies)

You don’t need to be a therapist to be an ally. But you do need to show up intentionally. Here’s how:


1. Intervene with Empathy.

If someone seems withdrawn or overwhelmed, don’t ignore it. Instead, say:

  • “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit off lately. I just want you to know I’m here if you need support.” Sometimes, simply acknowledging the struggle can be a lifeline.


2. Respect Boundaries, But Stay Available.

Not everyone is ready to talk, and that’s okay. But you can still create an open door:

  • “No pressure to share, but I’m always happy to listen or help however I can.” Being consistently kind and nonjudgmental makes it safer for someone to eventually open up.


3. Normalize Flexibility and Rest.

Modeling healthy behaviors helps shift culture. Use your PTO. Talk about therapy as casually as going to the dentist. Advocate for policies that support mental well-being (e.g., mental health days, flexible hours, EAP access). These actions help destigmatize mental illness for everyone.


Collective Care Is Inclusive Culture

Mental health in the workplace isn’t a personal issue—it’s a systemic opportunity. Supporting employees who are struggling doesn’t just benefit them—it benefits teams, retention, and organizational culture.


Inclusion isn’t just about who we hire. It’s about how we treat each other once we’re here. And that includes showing up—for ourselves and for each other—with empathy, grace, and humanity.


Let’s move beyond performative wellness. Let’s build workplaces where mental health is met with compassion, not silence.


TL;DR: What Can You Do Today?

✅ If you’re struggling: You deserve support. Ask for what you need. Build your network.

✅ If you want to help: Show up. Listen. Advocate for flexibility. Normalize the conversation.


Because 1 in 5 of us need this right now. And 5 in 5 of us can help make work better for everyone.


Want to bring this message to your workplace? Dr. V’s keynote, "Beyond the Surface: Allyship for Mental Health in the Workplace", blends storytelling and science to inspire real cultural change. Book a chat to learn more: https://www.mattinglysolutions.com/contactus


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