Mental Health Awareness Month

When most people hear the word “health” they think of physical health- how much do you weigh, how in shape are you, do you have allergies or is it something worse?

This month, the focus is on mental health, arguably, the more important of the two. Everyone’s mental health is extremely important as they navigate through every day life. While it comes easier to some than others, it is something everyone needs to spend time prioritizing.

How you do that is entirely dependent on you and your needs.

One thing is for certain: struggling with your mental health is NOTHING to be ashamed of…EVER!

All of us at PGT understand this and make it a priority in our lives. It is something we talk about openly and work together to improve our mental health daily. Our jobs, like every job, can have good and bad days. The team atmosphere and family-like environment help everyone feel comfortable with expressing how they feel and making sure everyone is okay. Everyone here truly cares about the person sitting next to them, and across from them, and on the other side (you get the point).

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never a weakness.”

-Brene Brown-

We are willing to help in any way we can. We’ve done it many times in our short two years as a company, and we are always willing to work together to overcome those mental challenges someone is facing. “I know first hand. It was so hard to talk about and explain at first. I tried to hide it and realized I couldn’t,” Kandra explained. “I was ashamed because I felt like I was the only one having problems, but it wasn’t helping anyone by me avoiding the issue.” 

Kandra took a leap of faith on us when she chose to join our team, it is only right for us to return that trust and help her wherever we could. “It really is incredible what a little bit of understanding can do for a person,” Cassie, Director of Administration, said in regards to Kandra’s improvement. “We worked together- even when it was hard for both Kandra and the company- but a little help can go a long way. She took the time she needed and has improved her mental health a great deal in the year she’s been here.”

The stigma surrounding mental health doesn’t help the situation. The country as a whole is finally starting to bring awareness to a very common problem, but ultimately, we all have to take our own mental health into our own control. 

According to mentalhealth.org, some ways to improve your mental health are:

  • Talk about your feelings- find a friend, family member, therapist. Anyone, really. 
  • Stay active- exercise helps your focus, sleep, and concentration. 
  • Eat well- absorb nutrients to help organ function (including your brain).
  • Drink sensibly- when it comes to alcohol, don’t drink it to change your mood.
  • Ask for help- professional help if necessary.
  • Take a break- change of pace or scenery is good, regardless of how long (5 minutes or 5 days, it doesn’t matter)
  • Do something you’re good at- hobbies and activities you enjoy and are good at boosts self-esteem.
  • Accept who you are- everyone’s different, that’s what makes it fun!
  • Care for others- be kind. It’s that’s simple.

“Everyone is going through something. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. Be kind. Be supportive,” Kandra explained. “Mental health problems don’t define someone. They aren’t who they are, the problems are just something they are experiencing.”