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Why Talking About Mental Health at Work Could Save a Life

Breaking the silence can make your workplace stronger and safer.

We spend a big part of our lives at work. It’s where we talk with others, solve problems, and try our best to do a good job. But sometimes, people show up to work while quietly struggling inside. Behind smiles and small talk, many are dealing with stress, sadness, or feelings they don’t know how to share.

Mental health struggles are more common than most people realize. And when no one talks about them, the silence can be harmful.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, Bio-One of Johnstown wants to talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention. We want to help more people understand how important it is to support mental health at work. Because when someone feels safe enough to open up, it might not just help them feel better. It could actually save their life.

If a person feels anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed at home, those feelings usually come with them to the office, the warehouse, or the job site.
If a person feels anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed at home, those feelings usually come with them to the office, the warehouse, or the job site.

Mental Health Struggles Don’t Clock Out at 5 PM

Mental health challenges don’t stop when someone walks into work. If a person is feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed at home, those feelings usually come with them to the office, the warehouse, or the job site.

Many people do their best to keep going. They show up, smile, and try to focus. But on the inside, they might be hurting. They could be dealing with grief, trauma, stress, or other serious mental health struggles, and no one around them even knows.

Why don’t more people speak up?
 

Because they’re afraid.

  • Afraid of being judged.
  • Afraid of looking weak.
  • Afraid they could lose their job if they say something.

So instead, they stay silent. And that silence can make things worse.

At Bio-One, we’ve seen what happens when people suffer in silence. That’s why we believe it’s important to create spaces, especially at work, where people feel safe talking about what they’re going through.

What You Might Not See: Signs Someone at Work is Struggling

It’s not always easy to tell when someone is having a hard time. At work, many people try to hide what they’re feeling so they can “push through” the day. But there are often small signs that can let us know when a coworker or friend might be struggling with their mental health.

Here are a few things to watch for:

  • Pulling away from team activities or group conversations.
  • Acting more irritable than usual or having sudden mood changes.
  • Being late often or missing work without much explanation.
  • Working too much or trying to be perfect in everything they do.
  • Making jokes or quiet comments like “I can’t do this anymore” or “I’m just so done.”

These signs might not seem like much at first. But together, they can show that someone is not okay.

Even if you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to check in. A simple “Hey, I noticed you’ve seemed a little off. Want to talk?” can let them know they’re not alone.

Sometimes, just being seen and heard can help someone take the next step toward getting support.

It’s not always easy to tell when someone is having a hard time at work.
It’s not always easy to tell when someone is having a hard time at work.

What Happens When No One Talks About It

When people feel like they can't talk about their mental health, it can make everything worse. Silence often leads to shame. And shame can make someone feel even more alone.

At work, this silence can feel extra heavy. Someone might be struggling every day, but if they believe no one will understand or they’ll be judged, they may never speak up. Instead of asking for help, they keep everything inside.

That kind of isolation can be dangerous.

At Bio-One, we’ve responded to tragic calls where someone lost their life to suicide. It doesn’t just happen at home. We’ve been called to clean up offices, warehouses, and other workspaces where a person felt there was no way out.

Many of those lives might have been saved if they had felt safe enough to speak up.

This is why it matters to talk about mental health at work. Because when we make space for honest conversations, we make it easier for people to get the help they need, before it’s too late.

Starting the Conversation (Even If You’re Not the Boss)

You don’t have to be a manager or part of the HR department to make a difference. Every person in a workplace can help create a space where mental health is talked about openly and kindly.

Here are some simple ways to start:

  • Lead by example. Talk about your own mental health in a natural way. This could be sharing that you’ve felt overwhelmed, talking about going to therapy, or mentioning how you handle stress. When others see that it’s okay to talk about these things, they may feel safer doing the same.
  • Check in with people. Ask a coworker how they’re really doing. You don’t have to be pushy. Just showing that you care can make someone feel less alone.
  • Be a good listener. You don’t need to fix the problem. Just being there and listening without rushing or changing the subject can mean a lot.
  • Avoid judgment. If someone opens up to you, don’t brush it off or tell them, “others have it worse.” Everyone’s feelings matter. Let them know it’s okay to talk about what they’re going through.

These small actions help build trust. And trust creates a workplace where people feel more supported, connected, and safe to be honest about what they need.

When managers talk openly about mental health and support their teams, it sends a clear message: it’s okay to speak up, and it’s okay to need help.
When managers talk openly about mental health and support their teams, it sends a clear message: it’s okay to speak up, and it’s okay to need help.

If You’re a Manager or Business Owner, You Help Set the Tone

Leaders have a powerful role in shaping workplace culture. When managers talk openly about mental health and support their teams, it sends a clear message: it’s okay to speak up, and it’s okay to need help.

Here are a few ways leaders can make a real difference:

  • Normalize mental health days. Just like taking time off for a cold or flu, employees should feel comfortable taking a day to rest and recharge mentally. Remind your team that caring for their mental health is part of staying well.
  • Share available resources. If your company has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other mental health services, make sure everyone knows how to use them. Don’t just list them during training. Mention them often and remind employees that these tools are there to help.
  • Train team leads. Offer training on how to recognize when someone might be struggling. Teach them how to respond with kindness and support, not fear or discomfort.
  • Encourage openness. Make it clear that talking about mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. The more leaders lead with empathy, the more likely employees will feel safe asking for help.

When leadership takes mental health seriously, it sets the tone for the entire workplace. It helps build a culture of care, and that can save lives.

Real Prevention Starts with Real Talk

Talking about mental health at work might seem small, but it can have a huge impact. It’s not just a kind thing to do. It’s a real form of suicide prevention.

When people feel like they can be honest about how they’re doing, they’re more likely to get the help they need. A caring conversation at work could be the moment that helps someone keep going.

Here’s what open, supportive workplaces can offer:

  • Safety. When people know they won’t be judged, they’re more likely to speak up.
  • Visibility. Feeling seen and heard helps people know they matter.
  • Support. A kind word or gentle check-in can remind someone they’re not alone.

These things may seem simple, but they can make a life-changing difference.

Every conversation matters. Every person who chooses to listen, share, or care helps make the workplace a safer space for everyone.

Let’s Make Workplaces Safer, Together

At Bio-One of Johnstown, we’re called in after some of life’s hardest moments. We clean up after tragedy, but we would much rather help prevent that tragedy from ever happening.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re encouraging every workplace to take a step toward being more open, more caring, and more supportive. Whether you’re an employee, a manager, or a business owner, your words and actions matter.

One conversation can help someone feel seen.
One kind question can remind someone they are not alone.
And one safe space at work could be the reason someone chooses to stay.

Let’s work together to make sure no one suffers in silence.
Let’s make it easier to talk about mental health.
Let’s make our workplaces places where people feel supported every day.

Because sometimes, a simple conversation really can save a life.

FAQ

Why is it important to talk about mental health at work?

Because many people are silently struggling, when mental health is ignored in the workplace, it can lead to isolation, shame, and even tragedy. Open conversations create safer, more supportive environments where people feel seen and are more likely to ask for help.

What are some signs a coworker might be struggling with their mental health?

Look for changes such as:

  • Withdrawing from conversations or group activities.
  • Being late or missing work often.
  • Acting more irritable or emotional than usual.
  • Making comments like “I can’t do this anymore.”
  • Working too much or trying to be perfect all the time.

What should I do if I notice a coworker seems off?

Check in with them gently. Try saying, “Hey, I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately. Want to talk?” Just showing that you care can help them feel less alone.

I’m not a manager. Can I still make a difference?

Yes. Everyone can help create a more supportive workplace. You can lead by example, check in with others, and talk openly about your own stress or mental health experiences.

Why don’t more people speak up about their mental health at work?

Many people are afraid of being judged, looking weak, or losing their job. That fear leads to silence, and silence can make mental health struggles worse.

How can managers support employee mental health?

Managers can:

  • Normalize taking mental health days.
  • Remind teams about available support, like Employee Assistance Programs.
  • Train team leads to spot warning signs.
  • Encourage open, judgment-free conversations.

Can talking about mental health at work really prevent suicide?

Yes. When someone feels safe and supported, they are more likely to speak up and get help before reaching a crisis point. Honest conversations can be life-saving.

What’s the risk of staying silent about mental health at work?

Silence can lead to shame and isolation. Bio-One has responded to suicide scenes in workplaces where people may have never felt safe enough to talk about what they were going through. That’s why early conversations matter.

How can we make mental health conversations feel normal?

Start small. Talk about stress, burnout, therapy, or self-care in everyday conversations. The more we speak openly, the less scary and “taboo” the topic becomes.

What’s one thing I can do today to support mental health at work?

Ask someone how they’re really doing—and mean it. That one question could help them feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s a simple step that could make a big difference.

Suicide is often reduced to statistics to give people a general sense of the scale of the problem. But statistics can’t possibly illustrate the toll of each individual loss. 

If you have lost a loved one to suicide, you are intimately familiar with the devastating and complex impact felt by surviving friends and family. 

Your loved one’s death may have left you feeling lost and confused, unsure of where to turn for answers. As you and those around you struggle to come to terms with the loss, it can be difficult to know what to do or how to feel.

There is no right answer for how you should be feeling following the suicide of someone close to you. Grief is complex, and it’s rare that any two people will experience it in the same way. Just know that whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay. 

Accepting your grief and allowing yourself to feel it is easier said than done, but there are things that can help. Here are a few things that may help in your grieving process. 

Confronting the Why

The most common question that survivors of suicide come to is “Why did this happen?”  

After a loved one’s suicide it can be easy in your search for answers to begin blaming yourself.

You may wonder what you could have done to prevent this outcome or you might feel guilt over signs you may have missed. You may find yourself wondering why your support wasn’t enough to keep them around. 

Mental Illness Plays a Big Role

The truth of the matter is that suicide is complicated with no singular explanation for why it happens. However, a framing that may help you understand is this: At the end of all things, your loved one died of an illness. 

Most, if not all, victims of suicide suffer from an acute mental illness that contributed to the decision to end their life. 

Mental illness can severely distort a person’s perception of their importance in the world and the care of those around them. Your loved one did not choose to become ill, and they would not have chosen to end their life had their illness not been pushing them to do so.

There’s No Blame to Be Passed Around

Mental illness is treatable just as cancer is treatable—but some people still succumb to their cancer even with treatment, while others recover and go on to live for years. 

You do not need to wonder why your efforts weren’t enough or what you could have done better. In the end, succumbing to their illness requires no more blame than if they had died from a heart attack. 

Understanding this will not make the loss hurt any less, but it may help to reconcile some of the confusion so you can grieve more peacefully. 

Suicide Postvention and Recovery

There is no timetable on grief, so it’s impossible to say how long it will take for your life to begin to feel normal again. 

There are, however, some things you can do to aid in your recovery process and ensure you are on the best possible path toward healing:

  • Seek Therapy or Grief Counseling - Professional help won’t cure your grief. However, it can help you feel like you have more control over where the grief is taking you and help you develop coping skills. Working through these emotions on your own can be incredibly challenging, so having help is important. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides a database of suicide bereavement trained clinicians to make it easier to find help. 
  • Find a Support Group - There are many survivors who are going through similar situations. Finding a support group will help you to connect with others. This can give you a forum to work through complicated feelings and feel less alone. You can find an AFSP has compiled this list of U.S. and international support groups.
  • Strength from Your Community - In addition to support groups, it’s a good idea to form a tighter circle of support with those who are grieving the same person you are. This community group can provide more specific support as well as work together to find positive ways to honor your loved one.
  • Explore Faith - Organized religion isn’t for everyone, but some people are able to find a greater sense of peace and understanding through personal faith practices. 
  • Establish Rituals and Traditions - As time goes on, you may find that birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are especially difficult. During these times, it can be helpful for you and other loved ones to find special ways to honor the person you lost. 
  • Cherish Community & Connection - Resist the urge to disconnect from others and instead do what you can to reach out and accept the help of those who are reaching out to you. 

At the heart of all of these is connection with other people. You are not required or expected to do this alone. While you may occasionally need some time to yourself to process, it is support and connection with others that will be the most help in getting you through this difficult time. 

Finding a Future

After a traumatic loss, the idea of moving on can be scary. If you’re struggling with the transition, volunteering your time to a cause dedicated to preventing suicide and supporting survivors like you can help to ease some of the guilt and fear.

There may still be bumpy roads ahead. Grief is complicated and can come in waves. However, as you start feeling a little more whole you will be able to give yourself permission to begin living again.

There are varied reasons people hang on to things they don’t need based on their circumstances or deeper-lying struggles. A cluttered home—even one that would qualify as a Level 5 situation—doesn’t stem from laziness or lack of willpower. 

More often than not, a cluttered home is the result of a difficult-to-control situation, which is part of normal life.

What’s the source of your clutter? Following, are a few factors that may be contributing to your at-home clutter:

Kids Will Create Big Messes

Having children can bring an abundance of joy, but also plenty of clutter.

Baby gear that is only used for a short period of time, rapidly changing clothes sizes, and piles of toys accumulate quickly.

It doesn’t end with the baby phase, though. As all guardians know, older kids and teens bring their own messes into the home.

Food-related messes combined with sleep deprivation can make it difficult to keep up with housework.

With children leaving clutter everywhere and food-related messes needing immediate care, it can be difficult to keep up with housework. Especially when you consider the sleep deprivation that also comes with kids.

Between art and science projects on the counter and smelly gym bags and laundry

left around the house, things can get (or stay!) messy.

It doesn’t help that children aren’t well-known for cleaning up after themselves!

Other Clutter-Causing Issues

Old Age

As adults age, they may struggle to keep up with their housework.

Think of all the reaching and bending over. Consider all the hard scrubbing. With health issues, simple cleaning tasks take much longer to accomplish, if it can still be done.

Decreased mobility and increased health issues can make cleaning overwhelming or even impossible.

In addition, it can be difficult to let go of possessions accumulated over a lifetime.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can make it difficult to throw away possessions.

People with anxiety may hold on to items in excess in case of a feared emergency or indecision about what to do with items.

Depression

Finding the motivation to clean and declutter is often a struggle for someone suffering from depression.

The stress of an out-of-control home situation (whether it’s actually out of control

or simply perceived to be) can create a negative feedback loop.

What’s a negative feedback loop?

For example, maybe you’re struggling with depression and lack the motivation to do the dishes. This means the dishes quickly pile up and within a week or two every surface in your kitchen could be covered in dirty dishes.

Now, you’re facing an overwhelming mess that can make you feel even worse—piling on exhaustion, guilt, and shame—and making you even less likely to find the motivation to clean up.

This cycle can leave those struggling with depression feeling more overwhelmed and less able to approach their home situation.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Individuals with ADHD often have intense, passionate interests and may accumulate items related to that interest. In addition, it can be difficult for a person with ADHD to create and stay focused on a plan for a big cleaning project. Anytime there are multiple steps involved, it’s easy for people with ADHD to get distracted.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessive, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. People with OCD sometimes deal with anxieties and emergencies by compulsively buying items. They may have obsessions about running out of essential items or a buying ritual that is difficult to break out of.

Trauma and Stressful Life Events

Trauma can be a trigger for accumulating clutter. If someone grew up without:

  • Sufficient food
  • Clothing
  • Hygienic products
  • Love and support

They may feel driven to hold onto things rather than throw them away when they are no longer needed. Research shows that childhood emotional abuse and physical neglect in particular predict higher levels of hoarding symptoms.

Items that have sentimental value.

People who have experienced loss may also accumulate possessions to soothe the ache of missing their loved one. Buying new things triggers a brief dopamine high, bringing temporary emotional relief.

Generational Habits and Heredity

If you grew up in a home where clutter was common, you are more likely to show these behaviors yourself. You may have a genetic disposition toward it through related diagnoses like anxiety or depression. You may also be more used to an environment where clutter, mess, and even the higher levels of hoarding are the norm.

Clutter Is Normal… But It Can Cause Stress

No matter the reason clutter starts, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed by the situation. Home maintenance is a big task under any conditions. Certain factors can make the situation feel impossible such as:

  • Trauma 
  • Medical issues
  • Mental health struggles
  • Interpersonal issues

Stress can lead to big messes and big messes can lead to stress.

Stress can lead to disorganized homes, and disorganized homes can increase stress. Natalie Christine Dattilo, PhD, clinical health psychologist and instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, calls it a chicken-or-egg dilemma.

“Recent studies have shown that clutter in our homes is associated with higher cortisol levels [our stress hormone], but it’s still unclear which comes first,” says Dattilo.

“Is it that when we are under stress, our ability to maintain a well-organized home becomes impaired? Or when our home is in disarray, does that make us feel more stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious?”

Regardless of the root of the issue, there is a way out. Resources are available to help you deal with your home situation. Bio-One can help! Our services can help ease your stress. For more information on how we can help you with your clutter call (814) 242-0053.



If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.


Girl Upset - Suicide Prevention Resources

According to the American Psychiatric Association, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34. And according the CDC, published reports from 2020 suggest that the pandemic has had a negative effect on children’s mental health. 

“Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively.”

Researchers have yet to link recent suicides to the pandemic since 2020 suicide data is not yet available. But on the ground, there's growing concern.

The February 2021 NPR article “Child Psychiatrists Warn That The Pandemic May Be Driving Up Kids' Suicide Risk” explores possible correlation. Takeaways include:

  • NPR spoke with providers at hospitals in seven states across the country, and all of them reported a similar trend: More suicidal children are coming to their hospitals — in worse mental states.
  • The number of kids with suicide attempts coming to the emergency room at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, in California, in the fall of 2020 was double the number in the fall of 2019.
  • At Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, the number of children and teens hospitalized after suicide attempts went up from 67 in 2019 to 108 in 2020. And October 2020 saw a 250% increase in these numbers over the previous October.

For ways to help kids at risk, NPR encourages readers to read Part 2 of their story, “Make Space, Listen, Offer Hope: How To Help A Child At Risk Of Suicide”.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Survivors of Suicide – What to Do Next

The loss of a loved one by suicide can be a deeply painful and traumatizing experience; however, it’s important to know that everyone experiences suicide loss in their own way. As you begin the process of healing, consider reading the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s guide for to talk to others about what happened and identify ways to take care of yourself

Additionally, if you have lost someone to suicide, there may be a cleanup required. There is no need for family or friends of the loved one to be further traumatized or overwhelmed with trying to figure out how to clean the impacted area. Bio-One is here for you. Learn more about Bio-One’s suicide remediation services. 


If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.