How genuine connection can redefine mental health at work | Marek Maslowski | TEDxGeneva
In a world where mental health struggles are often hidden behind expectations and stigmas, understanding the true human experience of mental illness remains rare. This talk dives into the complexities of mental health from a personal lens, exploring why so many continue to suffer despite decades of advancements in mental health treatments. Drawing on personal and professional encounters, I share my journey through depression and the critical role of empathy in workplaces and communities. The goal is to inspire a shift from treating individuals as “scorecards” to recognizing their struggles as valid, fostering open conversations that could save lives and dismantle stigma. Marek’s interest in mental wellbeing is rooted in his family’s background in medicine and psychiatry, as well as his own experience with mental health issues. But it wasn’t until he witnessed his team members’ struggles with mental health that his passion for the topic turned to advocacy.
As a manager of others, Marek, has seen his team members’ wellbeing suffer in different ways. In one instance, an employee with deteriorating performance was struggling with an undiagnosed mental health condition. He talked to the employee and suggested they take some time off to see a doctor. The employee was diagnosed and took time off to get the help they needed.
The experience underscores the vital role managers play in helping others. “It’s not enough to just create trust. It’s also guiding people and helping them read the signs they may have,” said Marek.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekmaslowski/
Website: https://initiatemind.com/ This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
31 Comments
He says something about losing time because of waiting so long to get help and that really struck a chord. Like yeah you coped well enough and pushed through it but to think of where you might be if you hadn't spent a decade or however long struggling to get by… well it's almost painful to think about. For me anyway.
I wonder how much of the time the people going through something aren't even admitting to themselves what's going on. Maybe that's why it takes so long for people to get help
Always just thought that it was normal to think about unaliving.
This is obvious, we are so closed off in our own worlds, then wonmder why we feel alone.
Anyone else wish this guy was their manager?
Can't see this working in retail. 2 of the 3 staff members on shift spend 2hrs having a mental health conversation while the 3rd tries to do everything to keep the business running.
A decade before seeking help. I think it's because we don't want to be a burden and shrug it off with "I'm ok"
I speak for all 'essential' retail workers during COVID. We all were super jealous of everyone that could work from home and didn't have to wear a mask for 10hours a day or deal with the unreasonable customers that couldn't accept that COVID impacted the outcomes we could provide.
Too often these conversations never take place, not because people don't care, but they feel ill equiped to help.
"I want to be there when something bad happens" wow this guy is not an avoidant manager
The scary part about all of this is just how many people struggle with it. Sometimes it feels like we're all just struggling through putting on a brave face and if we really all opened up we'd realize most people are in the same boat
Casual chatting? I think I'll pass.
Talking about personal lives? I'm an introvert, and that sounds like a nightmare.
I was a manager and I did this for my team to the best of my ability… I put it before everything else because that's what it deserves. It didn't matter to the company though… They would acknowledge it as important but all that really mattered to them in terms of actual recognition or getting bonuses was hitting targets and making budget
Someone really needs to tell this to the higher ups in the construction sector, pretty sure they have the highest rates of unaliving and depression.
Support systems need to be practical. It’s not just about talking; it’s about integrating real solutions into workflow.
The pandemic also affected me and my family. Even after covid, my family and I were still afraid to go in public places
Wonderful to hear that your work can allow you to give such time and support to your team without pushing it down the importance levels.
To me this just shows the gap between awareness and action… Many workplaces acknowledge mental health but don’t provide any real support
As a manager I had to be honest with people so that they will learn and improve their work. Sadly it's also my responsibility to recommend terminations and that always takes a toll
I think there are so many industries where people are silently struggling, to the point where you'd have no idea it's an issue at all
Wow! I wish I were working with him. There's so much stress at work and at home that I sometimes fear I'm gonna burst and do something I'll regret
It’s not easy to build genuine relationships with your colleagues, but when you do it’s totally worth it.
That’s exactly what I love with my current boss. She’s just genuinely concerned about us and not just our performance.
I think educating people on how to recognize and respond to these struggles should be as standard as any other workplace training.
Sometimes, a simple question like 'How are you doing?' is all it takes to brighten up someone's day.
Yeah sounds good, but in reality giving them access to your life is like a pandora box waiting to explode.
I’ve lost count on the times I've asked someone I work with for advice regarding all sorts of things in my life… maybe I'm lucky though, my workplace is pretty relaxed and encourages us to socialize
The fact that we spend more time with our coworkers than people at home is already an obvious signal that we need to build lasting relationships with them.
I can relate to this… I got transferred to a team that built a store from scratch and the first few weeks were so awkward and uneasy but once people got used to each other it was actually a really great bonding experience
Let's be honest. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their personal lives with their boss or with someone they're not close to.