"If you guys don't give me a chance to repair my instrument, I'm not going back."

More executives believe these initiatives are a crucial way to retain and attract the best employees in a tight labor market.

Insecurity does not discriminate and can affect everyone.

Jack and Dr. Sherry Walling dive deep into our minds to discuss burnout, depression, the benefits of neurological diversification, the mental health fallout from Covid, psychedelic assisted therapy, and more for people who work for themselves. They also get into the mindset, values and traits of becoming and sustaining going out on your own as an entrepreneur. Dr. Walling is a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, best-selling author, yoga teacher, and mental health advocate. Her company, ZenFounder, provides mental wellness resources to leaders and entrepreneurs as they navigate transition, loss, conflict, or any manner of complex human experience.

When an employee discloses that they have a mental health condition, it can be hard to know how to handle the conversation— especially if this is the first time you’ve faced this situation. Navigate the conversation carefully. Don’t make a big deal about the disclosure — it’s important to normalize the discussion. Ideally you’ll treat it like you would any other medical issue. Follow the person’s lead in terms of what they want to share and don’t ask a ton of questions or push them to give you more information. You don’t have to have all the answers right away so tell the employee that you’ll reflect on what they told you and get back them. Make clear that you may need to discuss the situation with HR, especially if they are asking for accommodations. But it’s possible that you’ll be able to offer them whatever flexibility they need within your company’s policies. If you’ve had experiences with mental health issues, consider sharing them without making the conversation about you. This type of disclosure, especially if you hold a senior position, can go a long way toward normalizing these topics in your organization and demonstrating that it’s possible to succeed at the highest levels when you have a mental health condition.