Holidays and Mental Health – The holiday season is officially upon us, but it isn’t all joy and cheer.  The most wonderful time of the year also brings stress for many, and feelings of isolation and depression for others.   We are already experiencing a spike in mental health issues, here and around the world.  The holidays magnify and exacerbate the problem.

As I saw last year, I am receiving a flood of calls about troubling employee behavior.  Some seem to be rooted in mental health, others touch on possible substance abuse, and a few may involve both.   I suspect that some of you are seeing these themes not only with employees, but friends and family as well. 

As employers, these matters present complicated considerations, as we must address the needs and safety of our businesses while juggling the legal requirements to offer leaves or formal accommodations.  These are precarious and complex situations, so reach out if circumstances warrant. 

I close many of these Briefings with a note about self-care, but that reminder is crucial now.   The year end is challenging for many of us, both personally and professionally.   Do what you need to lighten your load.  Ground yourselves, but also, reach out to others.  Sometimes it takes a village to get through these rough patches.

Being Thankful – On that note, I am here for all of you.   But I am not going to lie; this can be a rough time for me.  I am without both my parents now, and the last time I saw my mother was three years ago this weekend – for Thanksgiving.  It doesn’t help that I have a birthday thrown into the middle of this holiday madness.

But I have had one constant in the past nearly 40 years, and that is, all of you.  I am truly blessed, grateful, and oh so thankful for you all.  And I am thankful I have this forum to reach all of you, because as much as I hate Mondays, this is my favorite part. 

Happy Thanksgiving, to all who celebrate.   For some of you, this is a time with family.   For others, this is a break in work and a chance to grab some “me-time.”  For yet others, in hospitality and retail, this is your crunch time.   Whatever this week means to you, I hope you get out of it what you need.