James Donaldson on Mental Health – Stressed, isolated Gen Z workers face serious mental health issues, experts say

By Kennedy Scales

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – September is Suicide Prevention Month, and while awareness often focuses on warning signs and resources, a recent study by Johns Hopkins University shows 68% of Gen Z workers report being stressed on the job.

Two Harrisonburg counselors said this stress can have a serious impact on Gen Zers’ mental health. New workers who transition from college to professional work place settings may find themselves under performance pressure and constant comparison.

Brooklyn Sites, an LPC, CCTP and onsite clinician at Sentara RMH Medical Center, said this life change can lead to lead to overwhelming feelings and could potentially force someone into isolation.

“Even just comparing themselves to coworkers or seeing their friends or other people posting on social media and creating that constant comparison, and where work feels unfulfilling,” Sites said, “they might start to internalize that as a personal failure, which can lead to anxiety, depression or even suicidal thoughts.”

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#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
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website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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Alexandra Cromer, an LPC at Thriveworks, said isolation is a feeling that can get worse when someone may be experiencing anxiety or depression. Therefore, the best thing one can do when experiencing this feeling is to build a new community wherever you are.

“Having a barista that you see, that you know when you get your hot cup of coffee, or having these sort of predictable routines of going to a farmer’s market or the gym or just sitting in a coffee shop and reading,” Cromer said. “You can have sort of like passive social interactions, but you’re still making sure that you’re not isolated.”

With the word “isolation” being the most commonly used, both experts said that employers, family and friends should consider checking in more often on new workers who are transitioning into their new life to provide them with additional company and support.