Centro Celebrates Mental Health and Wellbeing

Happy Mental Health Month! We’re taking time this May to examine how we can better promote mental wellbeing in ourselves, our workplace and communities. Like anything else worth doing, maintaining mental health takes effort, diligence and a certain level of honesty—both with ourselves and the people around us.

When it comes to maintaining mental wellbeing in the workplace, it can be a struggle to strike a healthy balance. Work can be fast-paced and demanding, and with these demands come anxiety and stress—it’s inevitable! One thing that sets Centro apart from other companies is the variety of resources available to employees that help address and manage these emotions.

Think about it—if we were to walk into work with a fever and a runny nose, there would be no hesitation to let peers know that we weren’t feeling well—maybe we’d even stay at home and rest, or make an appointment with a doctor, depending on the severity of symptoms. Why shouldn't the same apply to mental health?

Anxiety and depression are common mental health struggles. According to Assurance (Centro’s insurance provider), nearly 6.8 million Americans live with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which is characterized by “persistent and excessive worry.” Anxiety disorders alone affect 57 million adults in America, while depression affects more than 300 million worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Here’s why Mental Health Month is so important: Although anxiety and depression are considered "highly treatable" by WHO, only 36.9% of individuals suffering from them reported seeking treatment in 2016. On the other hand, according to the CDC 77.8% of people diagnosed with sinus infections sought treatment by a medical professional. Interesting, right?

So, why is it that when our physical health needs attention we're comfortable seeking help, but when our mental health is suffering, we're less likely to reach out? Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental illness has a lot to do with it. Luckily, we know how to combat that stigma—by having open conversations that normalize mental health and mental health treatment.

Part of what makes Centro so great is the company’s consideration for our employees’ mental health and wellbeing. For example, Centro offers the option to take “Ferris Bueller Days”—a personal day (or two) to use however you see fit, with the intention of taking space from work, to relax and find time for yourself. Centro also provides on-site (and remote) yoga and meditation services to provide an additional outlet, and help employees manage stress and anxiety. Our robust benefits package also allows employees to seek affordable mental health care as needed.

Over the course of May, we will continue to highlight the significance of mental health and wellbeing, and how we work to manage it in our daily lives. It’s important to acknowledge mental health in our workplace and is just one of the many ways Centro is always striving to cultivate a better you.

Big things are happening at Centro in 2019! Learn more about our unique culture and check out our careers page, to see how you can grow with us.