The first thing I recommend is taking a moment for yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to step back, take a breather, and prioritize what’s important to you. Find activities that help you de-stress and recharge. It could be skiing, running, watching TV, or even playing video games—whatever works for you.

We can only give so much to others, whether at work or in our personal lives, and it’s essential to fill your own bucket first.

(01:30)
That’s so true. A lot of people don’t create enough space for themselves, and this issue isn’t limited to the holiday season. It often spills over into professional life as well.

Since mental health plays such a significant role in our professional lives, can you elaborate on why it’s so important and share some tips that people can apply year-round?

(01:47)
Mental health is incredibly important because it affects every aspect of our lives—our relationships with family and friends, our work performance, and even our hobbies and downtime.

Many people struggle with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to burnout and overwhelm. One of the best things you can do is talk to someone, whether it’s a therapist or a trusted loved one.
As a therapist, I often say that you don’t need to wait for a crisis to seek help. Think of therapy like car maintenance—you don’t wait for the car to break down to get it checked. Having open conversations about mental health also helps break the stigma and lets others know it’s okay to seek support.

(02:34)

Why do you think so many people bottle up their feelings instead of talking about them?

(02:40)

It’s a complex issue with deep societal roots. For generations, there’s been a cultural pressure to “tough it out” and equate vulnerability with weakness. Ideas like “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” conflict with the need to manage emotions and prioritize mental well-being.
Mental health issues are often seen differently than physical health issues. For example, no one questions someone who gets a cast for a broken arm, even if it limits them temporarily. But when it comes to mental health, there’s often judgment or misunderstanding.
Research shows that bottling up emotions only worsens the problem. Suppressing trauma or stress can lead to more severe issues like depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. That’s why talking about it—whether with a therapist or a trusted friend—is so important.

(03:34)
Absolutely. Even having a sounding board, like a friend or family member, can help. It doesn’t always have to be an expert, though professional support is invaluable.

(03:47)
Exactly. Just having someone listen can make a huge difference.

(03:52)
What can businesses do to help change this societal norm and support their employees’ mental health? After all, happy and healthy employees are more engaged, focused, and productive, so it’s in the company’s best interest too.

(04:06)
You’re absolutely right. Businesses need to take mental health seriously. The average person spends about 90,000 hours of their life at work—that’s a significant portion of time! Burnout and mental health challenges are among the top reasons employees leave their jobs.

Here are some key ways businesses can support mental health:

Encourage Open Conversations: Create a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health struggles. Let employees know it’s fine to ask for support or time off when needed.
Promote Resources: Many companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or other mental health support services. Ensure employees know these resources are available and how to access them.
Train Managers: Equip managers with the tools to recognize signs of stress or burnout and to provide appropriate support.
Flexible Policies: Offer flexibility in schedules or workload during high-stress times to help employees manage their responsibilities better.

By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, businesses can not only improve employee well-being but also enhance overall performance and retention.

(07:21) Companies, executives, management, people leaders—everyone who's in a position to help organize this—should take the opportunity to share: "Hey, these are the resources available to you. This is something that I encourage people to use." For those who feel comfortable, as a people manager myself, I talk openly about my mental health. I talk about my experience in therapy, and I share when I’m feeling burned out, drained, or anxious about something.

(07:55) I like to talk about it because it helps the people I’m working with know, "Cool, I can talk about this too. I can share." You don’t have to be this perfect, suited-up individual who powers through everything. A lot of people respect that authenticity, too, knowing who you are and feeling like they have a more human connection with you. You’re not just the person on the other side of emails they send every day.

(08:20) That’s where BetterHelp comes in, too. For businesses to give that outlet for people if they need it, they can go to BetterHelp and get the sounding board they need.

(08:54) Absolutely. I mentioned earlier that we have 30,000 therapists. BetterHelp is a teletherapy opportunity for people to access therapy online from the comfort of their home, their car (if they have no private place at home), their bedroom—wherever they need privacy. We want to eliminate barriers like having to drive to a therapist’s office or locate someone in your area.
I grew up in a rural area, and looking for a therapist was tough. I either knew them or their families—because in a small town of a thousand people, you know everyone—or I would’ve had to drive an hour to the nearest city to see someone, which wasn’t feasible. And then there’s the issue of getting charged New York rates, which wasn’t realistic either.

(09:49) As a business owner, identifying employees who might be struggling with mental health can be tricky. You need to approach it carefully to avoid drawing too much attention. If you notice someone is less engaged or showing signs of stress—struggling to get work done or appearing frantic—you can pull them aside privately. Say something like, "I know there’s a lot of stress right now. Is there anything I can do to support you?"

(10:12) You don’t want to call someone out in public or say, "Hey, what’s wrong with you?" People don’t respond well to that and often get defensive. Instead, offer support and create space for them to open up. Sometimes, they might not even realize they’re struggling until you give them an opportunity to talk about it.

(11:13) You’re right. Many people fool themselves into thinking they’re okay—they push and push until they reach total burnout. They might feel exhausted but tell themselves, "It’s fine. Tomorrow’s Friday," or "Next week I have something to look forward to." When someone offers support and asks thoughtful questions, it’s a great opportunity to recognize and address the issue.

(12:08) That’s so true—many people kick the can down the road. They live for the weekend, then get hit with the "Sunday scaries" when Monday looms. The root problem never gets addressed, and the cycle continues.

(12:38) During the holiday season, stress management looks different for everyone. Key strategies I recommend include:
Taking 5–10 minutes daily for yourself, whether through breathing exercises, relaxation, or meditation. These might feel strange at first, but they have proven physiological benefits.

Talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist.

Addressing issues when they arise instead of letting them fester.

(14:07) When something goes wrong, the first step is to step back. Reacting immediately often leads to impulsive decisions. Take a moment to process what’s happened and assess how you’re feeling. Once you’ve done that, you can begin to evaluate next steps and explore solutions rationally.

(15:42) Giving critical feedback is another common stressor, but it’s essential for growth. Stick to facts, use "I" statements (e.g., "I’ve noticed"), and avoid blaming language. Pair feedback with actionable suggestions for improvement and highlight strengths to reinforce positive behaviors.

(17:16) Making feedback a two-way conversation is also helpful. Asking employees, "Is there anything I can do to support you or collaborate better?" creates a more comfortable environment for feedback to be received and appreciated.

(18:46) Therapy looks different for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. While methods like cognitive behavioral therapy or somatic therapy are effective, the therapeutic relationship itself is most important. Feeling connected, non-judged, and safe with your therapist is crucial to progress.

(21:14) You can learn more about BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com. From individual to couples counseling, or even therapy for teens, BetterHelp offers tailored support. The process starts with a simple questionnaire to match you with the right therapist, ensuring accessibility and comfort for every individual.

(21:41) Struggling with anxiety or depression? Or maybe you're trying to better understand your feelings? We also ask about your preferences when matching you with a therapist. For example, are you looking for a male or female therapist? A therapist of color? Someone from the LGBTQ+ community? Our system helps match you quickly—usually within 24 hours—with a therapist that meets your preferences, whether related to their background or specialties.

(22:13) The goal is to connect people with the best fit for them. Once you're matched, you can start communicating with your therapist through asynchronous messaging, which is open 24/7. Therapists won’t always respond immediately—after all, they may be sleeping or working with other clients—but it’s a great way to stay in touch between sessions. You can also schedule live video sessions, phone calls, or live chats with your therapist, depending on what works best for you.

(22:41) Typically, your therapist will ask questions about your background, why you're seeking therapy, and what you're hoping to achieve. This is how the process starts and how things get rolling.

(23:08) How do people know when they need these services? We touched on this earlier, but to reiterate for anyone watching: When is it time to get help—maybe even BetterHelp?

(23:14) Someone once told me, "We don’t wait to get an oil change until the check oil light comes on," because by then, you’re already in a tough spot. Similarly, you can see a therapist whenever you start to feel overly stressed, burned out, or notice sadness that feels deeper than just "seasonal blues"—like when it’s dark at 4:30 in the afternoon.

(23:43) I encourage people not to wait until it’s a crisis to talk to a therapist. Therapy can help you address things before they escalate. And it doesn’t mean you’re committing to therapy forever—sometimes it’s six weeks, sometimes a couple of months. If you’re struggling with something in your relationships, personal mental health, or even something you can’t seem to move past, take the opportunity to talk to someone.

(24:12) Don’t kick the can down the road. Address issues when they arise. Therapy is something you should try—it’s not a lifetime commitment, but it can make a significant impact.

(24:49) BetterHelp makes therapy accessible and affordable, especially for first-time users who might just want to try it out.

(25:14) BetterHelp was created to make finding a therapist easy, quick, and affordable. Sometimes even with insurance, therapy costs can be prohibitive, and finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer financial aid, discounts, and special support during crises, whether they’re global or local, such as weather emergencies.

(25:48) Beyond therapy sessions, the platform offers additional support:

Support groups: Small groups supervised by a therapist where clients can discuss shared topics.
Classes: Psychoeducational presentations on common mental health issues.
Journaling: The app includes a journal with prompts to help clients process their thoughts. You can choose to share journal entries with your therapist or keep them private.

(26:52) All of these resources are part of the subscription. It’s designed to give people the best possible opportunity for support.

(27:18) BetterHelp also connects you with therapists based on their specialties and backgrounds. For instance, we have therapists who specialize in helping first responders, those experiencing grief, or individuals dealing with chronic medical concerns. This level of customization helps clients feel more understood and supported.

(27:50) In today’s increasingly connected and stressful world, many people may need mental health support more than they realize. There’s often a drive to do more, to keep up with others, and it takes a toll. BetterHelp offers an easy, accessible path to help people navigate these challenges.

(28:15) If you’re interested, we have a 20% discount available through the NachoNacho Marketplace. You can also visit BetterHelp.com to learn more about their services.

David, it’s been great having you here today. We look forward to continuing our partnership.

Thank you so much—it’s been great talking to you!