As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, it’s essential to share real stories that highlight the importance of this year’s theme: "It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace."
Our co-founder, Natalie, has bravely shared her personal experience of burnout and how it impacted her mental health.
"I drove into work with tears streaming down my face, desperately wiping them away before I walked into the warehouse.
I drove home from work crying again, feeling like a failure.
I couldn't believe that the business I had set up was making me feel like this every day.
But the truth of it was, I was burning out.
I had taken on way too much and tried to spin too many plates. And the plate that dropped first was my mental health. 💚
This was during the first year of running Colleague Box, and after experiencing this, I knew I needed to take action to improve my work/life balance. (Still working on this but in a much better place now.)
I'm pleased to see that this year's theme for World Mental Health Day is 'It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.'
Because I can honestly say from experience:
You can't pour from an empty cup."
Taken from Natalie's LinkedIn profile. Connect with Natalie here.
Learning from Burnout: A Call to Prioritise Mental Health
Natalie's story is not unique; it’s a reminder that even when you’re pursuing your passion, mental health can take a toll if not properly managed. Starting a business is challenging, and for many entrepreneurs, the pressure to succeed can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Colleague Box was built with heart, but like so many in fast-paced environments, it’s easy to forget that mental health must come first.
Burnout is real. It affects our ability to think clearly, to perform at our best, and to maintain healthy relationships. When mental health suffers, everything else does too. Natalie’s journey resonates with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility and the desire to “do it all.”
The lesson is clear: you can’t continue to give to others if your own well-being is neglected.
World Mental Health Day 2024: Make Mental Health a Priority
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day, "It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace," serves as an important reminder that work should not come at the cost of well-being. Businesses, no matter their size, must commit to supporting mental health.
Natalie’s experience with burnout in the early days of Colleague Box has shaped how we operate today. We now prioritise balance, mental health resources, and a culture of openness.
For organisations looking to raise awareness, World Mental Health Day is a chance to introduce initiatives that support mental health in a sustainable way. Simple activities like promoting self-care, encouraging conversations about mental health, or even just taking time to acknowledge the pressures of work can make a huge difference.
How Colleague Box Supports Mental Health in the Workplace
At Colleague Box, we’ve made it our mission to help other organisations care for their teams. In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we offer wellness gift boxes and corporate packages designed to promote well-being. From mindfulness activities to self-care kits, these gifts can help you show your team that their mental health matters.
If you’ve experienced burnout like Natalie, you’re not alone. This World Mental Health Day, let’s take action to ensure no one feels like they have to carry the weight alone. Reach out, offer support, and remember—mental health must always come first.
What Next?
Has Natalie’s story struck a chord with you? Share your own experiences with burnout or how you’ve managed your work/life balance. Let’s continue the conversation and make mental health a top priority in every workplace.
Explore our wellness boxes and learn how you can support your team’s mental health this World Mental Health Day.
Natalie's vulnerability sheds light on the struggles many face in the workplace. As we approach World Mental Health Day, let’s take action to support ourselves and others in prioritizing mental health in the business world.
Find downloadable resources and more information here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day
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