Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized in the United States since 1949 and was founded by the Mental Health America organization in order to raise awareness and educate the public on mental health and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Bridgewater is pleased to formally recognize this month for the second year in a row.
In line with our priority of supporting overall well-being, the mission for this month and beyond is to create spaces where we can inspire, educate, and enable employees when it comes to mental well-being. This includes showing others they aren’t alone through storytelling and community building, ensuring employees are well informed on the various resources and benefits provided by Bridgewater to support their mental well-being, and aiming to create more time and space for employees to incorporate mental well-being best practices in their day-to-day.
Key programming this year included: A special outdoor breakfast that encouraged employees to connect with others on the topic and sample practices that promote mental well-being; free on-campus therapy sessions through our employee assistance program; a “mindful minutes” challenge through Calm, the leading app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation; and a conversation with Co-CEO Mark Bertolini, moderated by Chief Human Resources Officer Sarah Fass, in which Mark discussed his personal mental health journey and how he overcame these challenges. In the clip above, listen to Mark urge the Bridgewater community to make their own self-care a priority.