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<!doctype html> <html lang="en-US" class="no-touch js "> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">  <meta name="blogsPostDate" content="2022-05-10 06:57:11"/><meta name="blogsPostTags" content="cybersecurity,mental-health,security"/><meta name="blogsPostCat" content="Security"/><meta name="article:category" content="Security"/> <meta name="wordCount" content="1118" /> <meta name="readTime" content="268" />  <script type='text/javascript' src="//www.cisco.com/etc/designs/cdc/clientlibs/responsive/js/web-component-foundation.min.js"></script> <script> /** * Invokes appropriate private methods based on input parameters based on needs of web component architecture * @param {Array} wcAssets array of strings that correlate to the names of web components or array of objects containing asset name and corresponding locale/path * @param {String} localePath specifies where web component should be retrieved from (expected format: en/us or en_au for all other locales); false if wcAssets, is array of objects * @param {Boolean} isWem [Optional] specifies if assets are being loaded on a WEM environment * @param {Boolean} needTargetter [Optional] specifies need for targetter bundle to be loaded (generally needed on external sites) * @param {Boolean} isRelative [Optional] specifies if asset path(s) should be relative * @param {String} env [Optional] specifies enviornment to append to relative path (should not be used with isRelative) * @param {Boolean} hasEnvOverride [Optional] specifies if environment needs to be overridden (should be used with env) */ cdc.wcAncillaryAssetAllocator.init(['cdc-template-blogs'], 'en/us', false, true, false, 'prod'); if (window.cdc === undefined) { window.cdc = {}; } if (cdc.cdcMasthead === undefined) { cdc.cdcMasthead = {}; } if (cdc.cdcMasthead.additional === undefined) { cdc.cdcMasthead.additional = {}; } cdc.cdcMasthead.additional.env = 'prod'; </script> <script type="text/javascript"> if ( typeof cdc === "undefined")cdc = {}; if ( typeof cdc.util === "undefined")cdc.util = {}; cdc.util.ensureNamespace = function (namespaceStr) { if (!namespaceStr) { return; var parts = namespaceStr.split("."); var o = window; var i; var aPart; for (i = 0; i < parts.length; i++) aPart = parts[i]; if (typeof (o[aPart]) != "object"){ o[aPart] = {}; } o = o[aPart]; } }; cdc.dm = {}; cdc.dm.util = {}; cdc.dm.util.ensureNamespace = cdc.util.ensureNamespace; </script> <meta name="author" content="Shailaja Shankar" /><meta name="blogsPostAuthor" content="Shailaja Shankar" /><meta name='robots' content='index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1' /> <script type="text/javascript" src="//www.cisco.com/c/dam/cdc/t/ctm-core.js"></script>  <title>Fostering a culture that normalizes mental health discussions - Cisco Blogs</title> <meta name="description" content="May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important topic to me personally and my leadership ethos. It is a challenge that spans the globe—day-in and day-out." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://blogs.cisco.com/security/fostering-a-culture-that-normalizes-mental-health-discussions" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Fostering a culture that normalizes mental health discussions" /> <meta property="og:description" content="May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important topic to me personally and my leadership ethos. 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mental health discussions</span></span></span></span></p> <div class="blog-post-header"> </div> <article id="post-400085" class="post-400085 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-security tag-cybersecurity tag-mental-health tag-security"> <div class="main-content"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="entry-meta"> May 10, 2022 <a id="post-comments" href="https://blogs.cisco.com/security/fostering-a-culture-that-normalizes-mental-health-discussions#respond">Leave a Comment</a> <hr> </div> </header> <div class="blog-post-header"> <div class="thumbnail-avatar"> <div class="post-thumbnail" style="background-image:url(https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2022/05/Mental-Health-Banner-v1-600x200.png);"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2022/06/IL20220607103432-Shaila-Shankar-sm-150x150.jpg" width="102" height="102" alt="Avatar" class="avatar avatar-102 wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-102 photo avatar-default"> </div> </div> <div class="blog-cat-post-author-container"> <a href=https://blogs.cisco.com/security><h5>Security</h5></a> <h1 class="entry-title">Fostering a culture that normalizes mental health discussions</h1><p class="wordcount"><span class="black">4 min read</span></p> <p> <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/author/shailas" title="Posts by Shailaja Shankar" rel="author">Shailaja Shankar</a> </p> </div> </div>  <div class="entry-content"> <p><span data-contrast="none">May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important topic to me personally and my leadership ethos. It is a challenge that spans the globe—day-in and day-out—for many people, whether dealing with issues themselves or supporting a loved one. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout are normal, which is why every person has some risk of developing a mental health disorder, regardless of demographics, socioeconomics, education, and occupation. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">During the pandemic, the global prevalence of </span><a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, </span><span data-contrast="none">affecting the young and adults alike. This influx has put a demand on mental health services, leaving huge gaps for those who need care. </span><span data-contrast="none">While it is not our specialty or job to care </span><i><span data-contrast="none">for</span></i><span data-contrast="none"> our colleagues, we can all care </span><i><span data-contrast="none">about </span></i><span data-contrast="none">each other by creating a safe space where honesty and trust is the norm. I am hopeful that we build a culture and support system that makes it easier for people to care for themselves and others.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">By addressing this critical topic, I want people to know that they are not alone, and we are here for you. Let us normalize talking about mental health to ensure people catch problems early and get the help that they need.</span><span data-contrast="none"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <h2><span style="color: #6abf4b;"><b>Why is this a thing</b> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">We all process the world in our </span><span data-contrast="none">own way, and brain </span><span data-contrast="none">chemistry impacts how we cope with fatigue, frustration, and cognitive overload. Some people may experience p</span><span data-contrast="none">hysical symptoms, become demotivated, or lack excitement the way they used to. </span><span data-contrast="auto">Small changes in </span><span data-contrast="none">behavior or attitude can illuminate a bigger mental health issue. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">Recognizing in ourselves that something is “off” is a hard place to land, especially if what we are experiencing is unchartered territory. This challenge is further compounded by the fact that t</span><span data-contrast="none">he </span><span data-contrast="none">tool we are using to assess our own mental health is the very thing with problems: our brain</span><span data-contrast="auto">. That is why it’s so important for those around us to help us recognize if something is going on. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <h2><span style="color: #6abf4b;"><b>It’s ok to not be ok</b> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="none">Everyone struggles at times. It’s a very normal part of the human experience. Yet, mental health has not traditionally been a popular discussion topic. In fact, cultural stigmas and pressures of self-reliance are commonly imposed on individuals since childhood, with the idea that, </span><span data-contrast="auto">“Everything will be ok.” As adults, we know this is fundamentally untrue and an u</span><span data-contrast="none">nrealistic expectation. What about impressing upon children that it is normal to acknowledge at times, “I’m a mess right now”—wouldn’t that help us all, children and adults alike, better embrace ourselves when we’re simply “not ok?” </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <h2><span style="color: #6abf4b;"><b>The struggle is real</b> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="none">The new normal of hybrid work changed the workforce overnight. The then unknowns of the pandemic coupled with working at a distance, exacerbated mental health struggles. And the corporate world and medical community were not prepared for the pandemic. Therefore, people feel disconnected, anxious and with a lack of boundaries between work and personal time. Many of us struggle in isolation and without a clear path in addressing it. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">Yet, we have an opportunity to foster an environment of support—for ourselves and others. </span><span data-contrast="auto">Self-care is vital to taking care of others. Everyone should </span><span data-contrast="none">feel safe sharing what is going on, without any additional burden of justifying their situation or “paying the team back.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <h2><span style="color: #6abf4b;"><b>Always-on mentality</b> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="none">Within the cybersecurity industry, some roles are incredibly taxing and take an emotional toll. They require seeing the worst the internet has to offer, accepting that success is not 100 percent of the time, and knowing attacks can happen at any time. This always-on, a-lot-at-stake mentality makes it hard to separate work and life. From counseling to job rotations, Cisco Secure has measures in place to protect the mental health of our team. And we instill the belief that the best we can do is understand what the bad actors are up to, prevent what we can, and continue moving the craft forward. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <h2><span style="color: #6abf4b;"><b>Taking care of each other </b> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="none">Even with that mindset, we still have an obligation to look after one another, and be responsible on a more personal level. We must build trust up and down an organization and ensure mental health discussions are part of the culture. At a very basic level, we can be of help to each other by taking steps that could help someone’s mental state in leaps and bounds. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ol> <li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="33" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="none">Pay attention to colleagues</span></b><span data-contrast="none"> who may be struggling. From work output, engagement, attitude, and communication styles, differences and changes could be signs that something is going on. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> </ol> <ol> <li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="33" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="none">Engage in meaningful conversations</span></b><span data-contrast="none"> beyond work-related tasks. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> </ol> <ol> <li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="33" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="none">Show your own vulnerabilities </span></b><span data-contrast="none">with a personal anecdote about mental health challenges. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> </ol> <ol> <li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="33" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="none">Consciously separate yourself from work</span></b><span data-contrast="none">, filling time with hobbies and tasks that do not require a lot of mental energy, yet help you feel like you’ve accomplished something. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> </ol> <h2><span style="color: #6abf4b;"><b>We’re in this together</b> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="none">Trust is central to having an open dialogue. And talking about mental health starts with normalizing conversations about it–b</span><span data-contrast="auto">ecause it is normal. While there is neuroscience-backed research and strategies support changes that need to happen on an organizational level, my goal is to start with supporting each other and helping recognize when a colleague may be struggling. </span><span data-contrast="none">By intentionally shifting to a more mindful culture and encouraging new norms across the organization, we will help foster healthier mindsets and empower our people to create their own boundaries, ask for what they need, and get the help they need. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <h2><span style="color: #6abf4b;"><b>Help Zone</b> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">If anyone you know is struggling and if you are empathizing with this topic, please reach out and get help. We are here for you. You are not alone. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Across Cisco Security Business Group (SBG), we are driving an effort to address systemic work practices, team norms, individual habits, and leadership signals that create barriers to better performance and well-being. Among the many resources and tools available for employees:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="-" data-font="Calibri" data-listid="37" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://cisco.sharepoint.com/sites/SecurityMindSet/SitePages/Boundaries-for-Fierce-Prioritization-%26-Focus.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Boundaries for Fierce Prioritization & Focus Campaign</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> was created to strengthen the way we work together and create balance. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li data-leveltext="-" data-font="Calibri" data-listid="37" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://cisco.sharepoint.com/sites/SecurityMindSet/SitePages/The-Focused-Mind-Series.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">The Focused Mind mini-series</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> includes discussions around neuroscience-backed research and strategies to support boundaries, prioritization, burnout, action addiction, and more. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li data-leveltext="-" data-font="Calibri" data-listid="37" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://cisco.sharepoint.com/sites/SecurityMindSet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Security Mind Set</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> focuses on mindfulness, helping enhance focus, performance, and resilience, while reducing distraction, stress, and exhaustion.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><span data-contrast="auto">To learn more </span><span data-contrast="none">about mental health insights, experiences, please review the following informative resources: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="34" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Cisco Security Blogs</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span> <ul> <li><a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/security/dealing-with-stress-burnout-and-mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Dealing with stress, burnout and mental health w/Hazel Burton</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li data-leveltext="o" data-font="Courier New" data-listid="34" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="2"><a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/security/mental-health-burnout-in-cybersecurity-tips-stories-and-insights" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Mental Health & Burnout in Cybersecurity: Tips, Stories & Insights w/Hazel Burton</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="34" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Cisco Security eBooks</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span> <ul> <li><a href="https://ebooks.cisco.com/story/adjusting-to-extraordinary-times/page/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Adjusting to Extraordinary Times/COVID-19</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li data-leveltext="o" data-font="Courier New" data-listid="34" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="2"><a href="https://ebooks.cisco.com/story/creating-safe-spaces/page/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Creating Safe Spaces in Cybersecurity</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}"> </span> <ul> <li><a href="https://ebooks.cisco.com/story/creating-safe-spaces/page/9/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Unique stresses of the cybersecurity industry: Talos’ Matt Watchinski/Matt Olney</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":1800,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335559991":270}"> </span></li> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Wingdings" data-listid="34" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="3"><a href="https://ebooks.cisco.com/story/creating-safe-spaces/page/5/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">Well-being in the mind: Psychiatrist Ryan K. Louie, Md, PhD </span></a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":1800,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335559991":270}"> </span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>We’d love to hear what you think. 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