Business
Entrepreneurs, take your mental health seriously because the life of your company depends on it! Our guest today: Sally Spencer-Thomas, President of United Suicide Survivors International Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist, inspirational international speaker and an impact entrepreneur. Dr. Spencer-Thomas was moved to work in suicide prevention after her younger brother, a Denver entrepreneur, died of suicide after a difficult battle with bipolar condition. Today we discuss: Why it is critical that you prioritize your mental health The 3 components of a strong mental health practice that you can build into your company My entrepreneurial journey has been a plethora of highs and lows… At times: Question my purpose Question my judgement Manifested extreme confidence followed by imposter syndrome My saving grace: Having an outlet of physical & mental stimulation outside of business Jiu jitsu Challenge today? Cannot let mental unwellness show to investors or competitors Extreme self-reliance Can not take a mental health day When things go down it is on you When it crashes it is on you A lot of pressure Isolation: Tend to be lone rangers Competition for funding, being first to market, Less likely to reach out for support Evidence that we live on the bipolar spectrum, susceptible to maina: https://www.bphope.com/entrepreneurs-success-bipolar/ Why is this important to the company? The entrepreneur is the essence of the company. You have to keep yourself well because it is on you People’s holistic health keeps people engaged in the company Talent will not stick around if they are not getting broader opportunities to find a passion for living beyond work How do we build mental health practice into your company? Appreciating that our mental wellbeing is part of our overall asset to the wellbeing of the company. Understanding of your own mental health and how best to promote the wellbeing of others. Upstream about driving a culture of care -- attract and retain talent, long-arc of productivity and success Upstream - Building protective factors, resilience as strong at it can be -- modeling self-care Eating, exercising, sleep Having the a team of the ready Front end your day with as much personal wellbeing investment as possible Walking the dog touches many aspects of wellness Midstream - Catching things early Before they become catastrophic -- what are the early warning signs that the wheels are wobbling. Measures put in place to course correct https://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/ Downstream - Where do we turn? Resources we have access to Dealing with the crisis in our lives What is the plan Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/ text HELLO to 741741 iRel8: https://irel8.org/ Key Takeaways: Commitment to investing in your health first Check out when your brain is not sharp Having a plan for crisis (personal) Kick the tires of mental health resources before you need them Links Guest website and social media platforms: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/ TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/sally_spencer_thomas_stopping_suicide_with_story Entrepreneurs and mental health video: https://youtu.be/qrWbePKB-6A Article: Prevent start-up suicide. Literally. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/271435 Article: Entrepreneurs And Suicide Risk: A New Perspective On Entrapment Provides Hope. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/prudygourguechon/2018/08/23/entrepreneurs-and-suicide-a-new-perspective-on-entrapment-gives-hope/?sh=2b2e3cbb5385 Article: The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship. Inc. https://www.inc.com/magazine/201309/jessica-bruder/psychological-price-of-entrepreneurship.html Carson’s story: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/history/ https://www.facebook.com/DrSallySpeaks/ https://twitter.com/sspencerthomas https://www.instagram.com/sspencerthomas/ https://www.pinterest.com/sallyspencertho/boards/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfr2b_0rxSsItOgo021ykkw?view_as=subscriber Facebook @WorkplaceSuicidePrevention Twitter @WorkSuicidePrev Insta: @WorkplaceSuicidePrevention YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOjL6-clq63_G9X_F7Wp1mQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40849573/admin/