Above & Beyond Magazine (Eastern North Carolina)

03/18/2025

Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health is more important than ever. A recent survey found that 84% of employees now prioritize their mental well-being more than they did before the pandemic. The workplace plays a significant role in supporting mental health, and companies must foster a culture that encourages openness, support, and access to resources.

Why Workplace Mental Health Matters

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health challenges at work. A company’s internal culture can either help or hurt employees' well-being. To create a mentally healthy work environment, organizations should:

Encourage open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma.

Be empathetic and supportive to colleagues experiencing challenges.

Promote stress management through healthy workplace behaviors.

Recognizing and Managing Stress

Signs of stress include anxiety, forgetfulness, irritability, and difficulty communicating. Employers and managers can help by:

Encouraging regular breaks and physical activity to relieve tension.

Providing access to mental health resources and counseling services.

Offering flexible work arrangements to support individual needs.

Creating a Supportive Culture

A healthy workplace values diversity and inclusivity while addressing myths about mental health. Companies can support employees by:

Incorporating mental health awareness into training and onboarding.

Providing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for counseling and support.

Offering personalized accommodations for employees with mental health conditions.

The Role of Leaders and Managers

Managers play a crucial role in supporting mental health at work. Simple steps can make a big difference:

Be open and relatable – Share your own challenges to help normalize mental health discussions.

Model healthy behaviors – Prioritize self-care and set boundaries to encourage a balanced work-life approach.

Check-in regularly – Go beyond “How are you?” and create a safe space for employees to share concerns.

Offer flexibility – Understand that employees face different stressors and may need customized support.

Communicate effectively – Keep employees informed about company updates and available mental health resources.

Moving Forward

Mental health in the workplace is no longer optional—it’s essential. Organizations that foster a supportive environment will not only enhance employee well-being but also improve productivity, engagement, and retention. By making mental health a priority, businesses can create a workplace where everyone thrives.

03/18/2025

The Emotional Toll of Job Loss and How to Overcome It
Losing a job can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a person can face. It’s not just about financial instability; it’s about identity, self-worth, and security. The sudden loss of employment can bring about a wave of emotions, from shock and anxiety to anger and depression. However, while the experience is deeply unsettling, there are ways to navigate through the emotional trauma and emerge stronger.
The Emotional Impact of Job Loss
1. Shock and Denial – Many people experience disbelief when they first receive the news. Even if the job loss was anticipated, the finality of it can be difficult to accept.
2. Anger and Frustration – A sense of injustice may arise, especially if the termination seemed unfair. Employees often feel betrayed by their employer, adding to the stress.
3. Anxiety and Fear – Uncertainty about the future is one of the most overwhelming feelings. How will bills be paid? How long will it take to find another job? These unanswered questions can create extreme worry.
4. Depression and Loss of Identity – Work often plays a large role in defining self-worth and purpose. Without a job, many people feel lost, experiencing sadness, isolation, and a decline in self-esteem.
5. Guilt and Shame – Some may internalize the job loss, blaming themselves or feeling embarrassed when explaining their situation to friends and family.
6. Loss of Routine and Structure – Work provides a daily routine, and without it, many struggle to maintain structure in their day-to-day lives, leading to a sense of aimlessness.
Coping Strategies for Moving Forward
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s okay to grieve the loss of your job. Suppressing emotions can lead to deeper distress. Give yourself permission to feel, but don’t allow negative thoughts to take control.
2. Seek Emotional Support
Talk to family, friends, or even a professional counselor. Support systems help validate feelings and provide encouragement. Connecting with others who have experienced job loss can also be beneficial.
3. Maintain a Routine
Structure is essential. Set a daily schedule that includes job searching, exercise, self-care, and hobbies. This helps maintain productivity and mental stability.
4. Reframe the Experience
Instead of seeing job loss as failure, view it as a transition. Many people use this time to pursue new passions, switch careers, or further their education.
5. Financial Planning
Assess your financial situation and create a budget. Seek temporary work, freelancing, or unemployment benefits if necessary. Having a financial plan in place can ease anxiety.
6. Engage in Self-Care
Exercise, healthy eating, and proper sleep are crucial in managing stress. Meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can also provide relief.
7. Set Job Search Goals
Take small, manageable steps each day. Update your resume, network with professionals, and explore job opportunities. Treat the job search like a full-time job but allow breaks to avoid burnout.
8. Consider Professional Growth
Use the time to enhance skills through online courses, certifications, or workshops. This not only increases employability but also builds confidence.
9. Volunteer or Take on Small Projects
Helping others can provide a sense of purpose while keeping skills sharp. It also expands networking opportunities, which could lead to future job prospects.
10. Stay Hopeful and Patient
Job searches can take time, and rejection is part of the process. Staying positive and persistent is key. Celebrate small victories, whether it's an interview or a new networking connection.
Losing a job is undoubtedly stressful and emotionally draining, but it does not define your worth or future success. While the initial impact may feel overwhelming, focusing on emotional well-being, financial stability, and personal growth can help you navigate this difficult period. With time, resilience, and support, a new and even better opportunity may be just around the corner.

03/16/2025

Acts of Kindness: Small and Large:
Kindness doesn’t have to come in grand gestures; even the smallest acts can have a profound impact. Holding the door for someone, offering a compliment, or sending a thoughtful message can brighten someone’s day. On a larger scale, volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a cause, or mentoring a young person can create lasting change in the lives of others.
Take, for example, the story of the Unity Collective, a grassroots initiative started by a group of neighbors in Atlanta. What began as a monthly community potluck quickly evolved into a network of support for families in need. From organizing food drives to offering free tutoring sessions for kids, their efforts have brought people together from all walks of life, united by a shared desire to make a difference.

03/16/2025

The Power of Listening
Listening not just hearing - is one of the most powerful tools we have to bridge gaps. When we take the time to truly listen to others, we validate their experiences and show that their voices matter. Whether it’s a friend opening up about personal struggles or a stranger sharing their story, active listening paves the way for deeper connections.
Consider this: the simple act of asking someone, “How are you really doing?” and being present for their answer can be transformative. It shows care, builds trust, and reminds people that they are not alone.

03/16/2025

Empathy in Action:
Uniting Through Understanding and Kindness
In a world that often feels divided by differences, there’s one universal truth that has the power to bring us together: empathy. The ability to step into someone else’s shoes, to truly understand their joys and struggles, is a cornerstone of building stronger communities and fostering meaningful connections. Empathy isn’t just a virtue; it’s a catalyst for change.
At the heart of every movement for progress is the simple yet profound act of helping one another. When we extend a hand, whether through small gestures or sweeping acts of kindness, we create ripples that reach far beyond our immediate circle. And it all begins with understanding.

07/12/2024

Do ya'll remember flashback Thursdays? Are they still doing that? Well...me and my mom in 1970 (plastic on furniture and all)! What You got?

04/04/2024

04/04/2024

is lost! Have you seen her?

, , Five Forks Trickum Rd SW, , , , US. Missy was last seen in the vicinity of Five Forks Trickum Rd. SW Lilburn, GA and Martin Nash Rd. She is wearing a pink collar. This is near the Five Forks Shopping Center (Kroger). Lost, 2024-03-21, , Medium Hair, or Gray/White

*Additional Information: ~INDOOR~ Nick on ear; pink collar

Please Contact the Owner Directly!! They might not see your comments here!! Your patience is appreciated, we're managed by dedicated volunteers.

More Info, Photos, and to Contact:
https://petfbi.org/api/view/627190/9df36490

Let's Get Missy home!