How to improve workplace mental health

A professional setting featuring two individuals in a modern office environment. The focus is on a man in a green jacket seated at a table with a laptop and documents. The background includes bright natural light and blurred charts on the wall, suggesting a collaborative workspace.

Giving your mental and emotional health the attention it deserves 

Mental health is a big part of our overall well-being, but it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. The truth is, you don’t need to be in a crisis to reach out for mental health support—just like you’d see a doctor for a small ache before it gets worse, taking care of mental health struggles early on can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing a bit of stress and depression or feeling really low, getting help is always okay. In this article, we’ll talk about when you should think about reaching out for mental health care, why doing so early can help, and share some tips for getting started, like finding the right provider and making appointments.

 

A woman dressed in a black blazer and white shirt is seated outdoors in an urban setting. The background features modern architecture and greenery, suggesting a professional environment. Her posture conveys a contemplative or stressed mood.

 

When to reach out for mental health support

It’s a good idea to look for mental health support any time you feel like your mind isn’t in a good place. This can mean lots of different things, like:

  • Feeling down or anxious: If you notice you’ve been sad, anxious, or just not yourself for a while, that’s a sign to check in with someone. These feelings can make it tough to enjoy life or do things you used to like.

  • Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite: Suddenly can’t sleep, sleeping way more than usual, or noticing big changes in how much you eat? These might be signs your mental health needs some attention.

  • Hard time focusing: If you can’t seem to concentrate or make decisions, and it’s affecting your work, school, relationships or everyday routines, that’s another reason to reach out. 

  • Losing interest in things you used to like: When you stop wanting to hang out with friends or do hobbies you usually enjoy, it can mean something’s up with your mood or mental health.

  • Physical symptoms that don’t make sense: If you’re getting headaches, stomachaches, or pains with no obvious reason, sometimes it’s your mind’s way of telling you it needs help, too.

How to seek mental health care

Navigating the health care system care can be daunting, but there are steps you can take to make the process smoother:

Identify your needs: Determine what type of support you need. Are you looking for therapy, medication, or both? Understanding your needs will help you find the right mental health specislist.

Research providers: Look for mental health professionals in your area. You can start by searching online, asking for recommendations from friends or family, or checking with your primary care physician.

Check credentials: Ensure that the licensed mental health professional you choose is licensed and has the appropriate credentials. This will ensure that you receive quality care. 

Contact providers: Reach out to potential providers to inquire about their services, availability, and fees. Many providers offer a free initial consultation, which can help you determine if they are a good fit for you.

Schedule an appointment: Once you have found a provider, schedule an appointment. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and goals for treatment.

Prepare for your appointment: Before your appointment, make a list of your symptoms, any medications you are taking, and any questions you have. This will help you make the most of your time with the provider.

Follow up: After your appointment, follow up with your provider as needed. Mental health care is an ongoing process, and regular check-ins can help you stay on track. 

Seeking mental health care is a proactive step towards maintaining your overall well-being. It is important to remember that you do not need to be in a crisis to seek support. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life. By understanding when to seek help and how to navigate the health care system, you can take control of your mental health and find the support you need.

Once you know you’re ready for support, it’s time to look for someone who can help. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or counselor. Each mental health specialist does something a little different. For example, psychiatrists can help with medication, while therapists and counselors mostly focus on having conversations to work through problems. Take a little time to read up on the different types of mental health professionals so you can find someone who feels like a good fit.

 

A young woman sits indoors near a large window, using a laptop in a casual setting. She is wearing a floral-patterned cardigan and green pants, with natural light streaming in. The background shows parked cars and urban architecture outside the window.

How employers can help

Employers have an important role to play in supporting employees’ mental health journeys. By creating a workplace culture that values openness and compassion, employers can help reduce the stigma around seeking support. Providing comprehensive health benefits that include employee mental health programs, such as counseling and therapy, not only makes care accessible but also shows a commitment to well being of employees. Employers can also offer resources like mental health awareness activities, employee assistance programs (EAPs), workshops on stress management, and regular communication about available support.

Flexible scheduling and options for remote work can allow individuals the time and space to manage their mental health, whether that means attending appointments or simply taking a mental health day off work Just as important is ensuring managers are trained to recognize signs of distress and worker burnout and respond with empathy, guiding employees toward help without judgment. By fostering an environment where mental health conversations are normalized, employers empower everyone to look after their well-being at work—before challenges grow—and to reach out for assistance at any stage.

More ways to better support you

© 2025 Cigna Healthcare. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

Product availability may vary by location and plan type and is subject to change.  All group insurance policies may contain exclusions, limitations, reduction in benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued.  For costs and details of coverage, contact your Cigna Healthcare representative. 

Cigna Healthcare medical products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT), Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Behavioral Health, Inc., Evernorth Care Solutions, Inc., Express Scripts, Inc., or their affiliates, and HMO or service company subsidiaries of Cigna Health Corporation, including Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of California, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Colorado, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Florida, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Indiana, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of St. Louis, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of New Jersey, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Tennessee, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. In Utah, medical products and services are provided by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). Policy forms: OK – HP-APP-1 et al., OR – HP-POL38 02-13, TN – HP-POL43/HC-CER1V1 et al. (CHLIC); GSA-COVER, et al. (CHC-TN).

Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT.) (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc., and Cigna Dental Health, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Cigna Dental Health Plan of Arizona, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of California, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Colorado, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Delaware, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Florida, Inc., a Prepaid Limited Health Services Organization licensed under Chapter 636, Florida Statutes, Cigna Dental Health of Kansas, Inc. (KS & NE), Cigna Dental Health of Kentucky, Inc. (KY & IL), Cigna Dental Health of Maryland, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Missouri, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of New Jersey, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Ohio, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Pennsylvania, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Texas, Inc., and Cigna Dental Health of Virginia, Inc.  In Utah, all products and services are provided by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT).  CHLIC policy forms: OK –HP-POL899 et al., POL115; OR - HP-POL862 et al., HP-POL121 04-10; TN – HP-POL767/HCDFB-CVR28 et al., HP-POL134/HC-CER17V1 et al.

Cigna Healthcare vision products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). Cigna Healthcare vision plans are only available to employers who also offer a Cigna Healthcare group medical or dental product to their employees.

Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). THESE POLICIES PAY LIMITED BENEFITS ONLY. THEY ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE AND DO NOT COVER ALL MEDICAL EXPENSES. THIS COVERAGE DOES NOT SATISFY THE “MINIMUM ESSENTIAL COVERAGE” OR INDIVIDUAL MANDATE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA). THIS COVERAGE IS NOT MEDICAID OR MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE.