May 2021 DEI Committee Blog

WGR’s DEI Committee met on Tuesday, May 11^th,, and the discussion topic focused on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), in recognition of Mental Health Awareness month. Tia-Lyn Ghione, Founder & Editor in Chief at FEMME Trend, led the discussion, where she bravely shared her personal story of her own battle with PTSD, the difficulty she faced completing everyday tasks, and her journey to recovery. Unfortunately, many people who have been diagnosed with PTSD face stigmas and experience a lack of empathy that can make such things as transitioning back to work incredibly challenging. Tia-Lyn’s personal experience with transitioning back to her workplace after being diagnosed with PTSD inspired her to change her career path and become involved with politics.

A number of DEI Committee members acknowledged that many corporations are not equipped to help those who struggle with PTSD, and that the U.S. work culture, in general, does not prioritize mental health.  As a result, not knowing to whom one can turn can be frightening and paralizing. The DEI Committee discussed these challenges and talked through how to address not only PTSD, but other issues of mental health, particularly within the workplace. Too many people push through their internal struggles to meet the demands of work, resulting in unhealthy habits and an inability to care for their mental health properly. Tia-Lyn suggested finding an ally or friend to provide emotional support while navigating adapting in the workplace. An employer’s structural system is not always going to be supportive, and it helps to get advice on how to navigate potential barriers. Emotional and structural support can make a big difference in managing PTSD and other mental health issues, and can relieve some of the burden when advocating for care.

The DEI Committee also suggested other solutions to coping with PTSD and other mental health issues, including tips on managing work stress and the importance of prioritizing self-care. Tia-Lyn and other DEI Committee members also shared a plethora of resources that are linked below.

• https://screening.mhanational.org/content/what-trauma/
• https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder          
• https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
• https://www.stevefund.org/the-steve-fund-responds-to-the-nations-climate-on-race/
• https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Homefront/PTSD-Treatment-Options
• https://workplacementalhealth.org
• https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/Application%20Questions.Final.pdf
• https://www.ted.com/speakers/nadine_burke_harris_1

Join us for our next DEI Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 8th, where we will gather to discuss the topic of Cultural Awareness -- register for the meeting here: 

https://www.wgr.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1470318&group=

Join us also for WGR’s 2nd Annual DEI Virtual Summit, taking place on July 20th - 22nd!  Register for the Summit here: 

https://www.wgr.org/general/custom.asp?page=DEI_Virtual_Summit_Program