Mental Health Day 2024: Elmwood NYC Team Shares Their Mental Health Stories
Mental health is a complex conversation, shaped by diverse experiences and varying stigmas. This year, Elmwood NYC has asked some of our members to share their perspectives and experiences on the topic. We believe it’s essential to discuss crucial and challenging issues that impact both our industry and everyday lives. The conversation entails insights on coping skills, mental health in the workplace, and community support from our Managing Director, Emma Godfrey; our Strategy Director, Riyad Mammadyarov; and our Senior Designer, Victoria Houman.
Emma Godfrey | Managing director
What does mental wellness mean to you, and how do you prioritize it in your daily life?
As someone who has lived with depression and anxiety (and has for many years), mental wellness is incredibly important to me. Mental wellness to me is the ability to be able to function day to day without being consumed by feelings of self-doubt, overthinking, negative thinking and overwhelm. To combat these feelings and the spirals associated with them, I prioritize exercise, sleep (at least 7 hours a night), regular therapy and eating well. I also remind myself that these feelings are temporary, that there is another side and you will always make it back there. This can be so important to remember, even when it all feels overwhelming.
What does a supportive working environment look like for you?
Having an environment in which you can be vulnerable and honest about how you’re feeling is key. There needs to be more conversations around mental health and wellness within the workplace so that we create a safe environment for people to show up as themselves – on the good days as well as the bad days. This is even more important in our industry that is prone to burnout. For me, it all starts with talking. It’s important for leaders in our industry to lead by example, vulnerability is a beautiful thing and creates a space for others to talk and be vulnerable without judgment or shame. We also need to ensure we have the right support and resources for people that spans the gambit of mental health, it is a huge topic with so many facets – there is definitely not a one size fits all approach.
How can we encourage more open conversations about mental health in our communities?
This is a great question and one that I am not sure we have cracked within our industry. For me, it comes back to creating safe spaces where people can be vulnerable and open, and I think this comes from leadership. By sharing our struggles and vulnerabilities, we create empathy and understanding and start to break down the walls of isolation that mental health issues often build. There is still a lot of stigma around mental health and so much of it is still misunderstood, by creating an environment in which people feel able to discuss their mental health, we build compassion and resilience…..and we need that now more than ever in our world.
What coping strategies do you find most helpful to manage your mental health when you’re at work?
Getting out and walking is a very effective way to clear my head when everything feels overwhelming during the day. There are some days where no matter what I do, my brain does not play ball and on those days, it is easier to give in, watch some reality tv, get an early night, and go to bed knowing tomorrow is a new day. Some days, I have very little control over my mental health and the more I try to, the worse it gets. It’s taken me a long time to realize that’s ok – mental health is a lifelong journey and some days you win, some days you don’t. Those are the days you need to be kind to yourself and watch some Selling Sunset.
Riyad Mammadyarov | Strategy Director
What does mental wellness mean to you, and how do you prioritize it in your daily life?
To me, mental wellness means balance. Balance of energy, balance of mood, balance of the good and the bad. It means being able to comfortably and confidently oscillate between the roles and responsibilities of my everyday life and the things that give me personalized momentum. And that’s not easy to do, especially in our deadline-driven work environment. But sometimes that means that you need to carve out the time, space within ourselves, and the world around us so that we can personally and professionally flourish and actualize the things that bring us true balance.
What does a supportive working environment look like for you?
A supportive work environment means a place where I can unapologetically show up as my authentic self. Where people not only see me in my totality but encourage it. It means knowing that I have colleagues who recognize the power of being holistically present. And I hope that I encourage that in my colleagues as well.
How can we encourage more open conversations about mental health in our communities?
By being open and communicative about the other facets of our lives. Whether those are the moments of elation and celebration or the difficult experiences we all live through, creating a free forum environment that encourages earnest communication is paramount. It allows us to recognize the power of honesty, truth, and reality. And those are the keys to unlocking comfort, acceptance, perseverance, and ultimately creativity in its best forms.
What coping strategies do you find most helpful to manage your mental health when you’re at work?
My coping mechanisms typically involve stepping away from the work. Disconnecting, even for a few minutes, is a critical tool that I use to reassess and reset my mind to see challenges in a new light. Beyond that, carving out time with team members to talk openly about anything and everything has been hugely influential for me to feel empowered and know that we’re not in this alone.
Victoria Houman | Senior Designer
What does mental wellness mean to you, and how do you prioritize it in your daily life?
Mental wellness means taking the time to care for yourself and recognize your mental wellbeing within your everyday life. It doesn’t come easy to many, but practicing this is important for your overall health. I believe mental health affects physical health, so you should take as much care of your mental as you do your physical. Personally, when I feel like I’m starting to let stress overwhelm me, I try to take a step back and be mindful of what I need for myself to get me back on track and find support where I can. Luckily, there are many resources out there now for mental health support and therapy that has made mental health care increasingly convenient.
What does a supportive working environment look like for you?
Having a supportive work environment means feeling comfortable to be yourself, share your ideas, and feel valued in an open and encouraging space. You should have a team that supports you, your work life, and your personal life. We spend many hours at work, so having a team that is supportive and empathetic is crucial to our overall mental wellbeing.
How can we encourage more open conversations about mental health in our communities?
We can encourage more conversations around mental health by continually providing open dialogue where people feel comfortable coming forward to share their thoughts and feelings. If we foster this kind of community, I think more people will feel comfortable sharing more about themselves and get the support they need.
What coping strategies do you find most helpful to manage your mental health when you’re at work?
I love taking walks outside. It’s a simple way to just separate yourself from your desk, get some fresh air, and have a new sensory experience. I always come back with a clear mind and better thinking when I return from a walk. I also find taking some time for yourself during the day, whether that’s meditation or doing something you love, is the best way to stay grounded. Life can get chaotic fast, so taking time for yourself to recoup is vital.