Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace

I was approached once again by Melissa Howard who continues her important mission to ensure that helpful - up to date resources - are available for anyone who is struggling with mental health concerns, particularly in the workplace. Melissa is the founder of Stop Suicide

The Gig Economy Is Good for Your Mental Health

Suppose you're one of the millions of people struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. In that case, you may find that the traditional 9-to-5 workday is not conducive to your well-being. It can be challenging to juggle a full-time job with your mental health needs, but luckily, the gig economy offers plenty of alternatives. Here's a look at how working in the gig economy can benefit your mental health, courtesy of Beth Matthews.

Flexibility

One of the most appealing aspects of the gig economy is that it affords workers a great deal of flexibility. If you have depression or anxiety, having a flexible work schedule can be a game-changer. If you're dealing with a nasty bout of depression, you may not feel up to going to an office daily. With a traditional job, this would mean taking unpaid leave or calling out sick, but if you work in the gig economy, you can take a day (or even a week) off without explaining yourself to anyone.

No More Commuting

You can say goodbye to your daily commute while working in the gig economy. Since you're not tied to one specific workplace, you can choose to work from your home or any other location — anywhere that suits you. This means no more spending hours sitting in traffic or crammed onto a crowded train, both potentially stressful events.

Avoid Office Politics

Office politics can be draining for anyone, but if you have anxiety or depression, they can be especially challenging to navigate. When you work in the gig economy, there's no need to worry about clocking into an office that may be full of drama and backstabbing — you can choose which gigs you want to take on and avoid any situations that might exacerbate your mental health symptoms.

Types of Side Gigs, How to Find Them, and How To Market Yourself

You can pursue several side gigs if you want to improve your mental health. Dog walking and freelance writing are two. Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood, while writing can be therapeutic and help you communicate your thoughts and feelings.

To find work in the gig economy, start by searching online job boards or websites that cater to freelancers. When making yourself more marketable, highlight any relevant skills or experience you have that could make you stand out from the competition. Then, if you want to turn your side gig into a business, consider forming your own company!

Benefit From Much Needed Relief

The gig economy offers many benefits for those with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. The gig economy can relieve traditional employment stresses with its flexible work schedules and lack of commute.

If you’re struggling with a situation or having trouble working through your feelings, Beth Matthews can help! Call 780-721-9157.

If you would like to learn more about suicide awareness and access more resources on this topic, visit Melissa Howard's website Stop Suicide.

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