“The pressure we feel to appear stoic is immense. But hopefully, through my words today, I can show you that sharing something very deep is a sign of strength.”
The words of Xavier Eales, former school captain of Sydney’s St Ignatius’ College, ring true to this day. They came moments before he candidly described, in front of his peers at a school assembly in 2015, his struggles with depression. A video of his speech quickly went viral, with every share proving his disarmingly honest testimony had touched hearts around Australia.
Today, mental health in young people has never been in sharper focus. The pandemic has caused a surge in anxiety, isolation, uncertainty, financial hardship and other challenges, highlighting the need for open, honest conversations about these issues – especially in the workplace.
But as we push through this crisis, a unique opportunity is emerging. How can we move forward and create mentally healthy workplaces for young people? What can organisations do to foster a happier and healthier workforce?