In 2019 we're all hyper-connected. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and dozens of other apps compete for our attention on a daily basis. Those working in the communications industry are, arguably, more exposed than most given the nature of our jobs. So what affect is this having on us?

In this special episode of the Digital Download Podcast for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, I chat to Leanne Ehren and Alistair Beech, two communications professionals who have not only openly talked about their mental health issues, but who have campaigned to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace. We discuss the challenges of working in communications and ways that individuals and companies can address the issues.

Here's what is discussed in this episode:

How prevalent stress, anxiety and depression are in communications
What the unique challenges of comms are that can lead to mental ill health
Why being hyper-connected is part of the job
Whether the difference lies between personal and professional social media use in the workplace
What the role is of information overload
What role fake news and misinformation plays in mental health
The role of disconnecting
The pressure of being always-on
How we can protect our mental wellbeing at work
Why being enabled to talk is so important
Hoe employers can support the mental wellbeing of their staff
The benefits of social media and digital connectivity

 
Useful Links from Today's Show

One Third Of Industry Have Had Mental Health Issues, PRCA Census Finds from The Holmes Report
The Mental Health Epidemic Facing the PR Profession from All Things IC
CIPR State of the Profession 2019 from the CIPR

 
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