Mental Health Today - #87 Mental Health Today with Mark Defee -"Enhancing Workplace Well-being: A Conversation with Corporate Wellness Expert Mark DeFee"

#87 Mental Health Today with Mark Defee -"Enhancing Workplace Well-being: A Conversation with Corporate Wellness Expert Mark DeFee"

11/09/23 • 40 min

In the 87th episode of "Mental Health Today," host Ken Stearns engages in a thoughtful dialogue with Mark DeFee, a seasoned therapist and corporate wellness warrior, focusing on the increasingly pertinent issue of mental health in the workplace. The episode begins with Ken reflecting on his recent encounters with high-performing athletes and ties in these experiences with the broader theme of mental health.

Mark, drawing from his 20 years of experience in corporate wellness, sheds light on the prevalent issue of employee burnout. He articulates the critical need for companies to foster a culture that not only recognizes but actively supports mental health. The discussion underscores that in today’s work environment, mental health is no longer a peripheral issue but a central component of daily conversations and corporate strategy.

One of the key insights shared by Mark is the symbiotic relationship between employee wellness and company success. He presents compelling data that supports the connection between a workforce's mental well-being and the overall performance of an organization. This part of the discussion highlights how fostering a positive work culture significantly impacts employee productivity and, by extension, the company's success.

The conversation then shifts to actionable strategies for building resilience in the workplace. Mark emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset and shares tactics for handling high-stress moments. He also discusses the value of difficult conversations in enhancing relationships, suggesting that before engaging in such dialogues, it's crucial to clarify the message and tone.

Ken and Mark also delve into Mark's personal journey, discussing how his experience with epilepsy profoundly influenced his career path and fueled his commitment to mental health advocacy. Mark's story is a testament to turning personal challenges into a driving force for positive change, particularly in how he uses his experiences to empathize with and support others.

Towards the end of the episode, the focus turns to Mark's work with organizations, where he designs custom programs and strategies to integrate mental health into their operational fabric. He talks about the "Thrive Again Program," an initiative that offers mental skills bootcamp to companies seeking to dip their toes into mental health strategies.

The episode wraps up with Ken expressing admiration for Mark's dedication to transforming workplace cultures and recognizing the importance of mental health. Ken's personal experience in the corporate world and with employee benefit plans adds an extra layer of insight, making the discussion particularly rich and relevant.

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Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.

For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:

Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com

Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s

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Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.

Previous Episode

#86 Frank King - Laughing Through Darkness: A Comedian's Journey in Mental Health

In episode #86 of the "Mental Health Today" podcast, host Ken Stearns interviews Frank King, a comedian and speaker specializing in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. The interview takes place in Durango, Colorado, and covers various aspects of Frank King's journey and expertise. Here's a long summary of the conversation:

The podcast starts with Ken Stearns introducing himself and discussing his previous interviews with interesting guests on mental health topics. He expresses his excitement about having Frank King as a guest and how he reached out to Frank with the hope of having him on the show.

Frank King joins the conversation, explaining that he doesn't have his own podcast because he's a comedian and prefers to leave the heavy lifting to others like Ken. He thanks Ken for the opportunity to share his life experiences.

Ken and Frank discuss the unique intersection of comedy and mental health advocacy. Frank specializes in comedy related to suicide prevention, which he describes as a sharp-edged field, but also incredibly important. They talk about their current locations, with Ken being in Durango and Frank planning to head to New Mexico.

Frank mentions that he has delivered 11 TEDx talks, with 10 already completed and one scheduled for October. He fondly recalls his first TEDx talk in Durango, which received a standing ovation but was not posted on YouTube due to its humorous title, "Mental Health and the Orgasm: Treat Your Depression Single-Handedly."

The conversation shifts towards Frank's background and motivation for entering the field of mental health advocacy. Frank initially pursued a career in comedy to make a living and a difference. He struggled to find a meaningful topic to teach until the recession in 2008 hit, and his comedy bookings dropped significantly. Frank and his wife experienced financial hardships, leading him to contemplate suicide.

Frank reveals his personal history of mental health issues, including a family history of depression and suicide. His grandmother and great aunt both died by suicide, and he lived with major depressive disorder and chronic suicidal ideation. Frank decided to undergo training and certifications to become a suicide prevention advocate.

Ken asks about the challenges Frank faced when transitioning from a comedian to a speaker on serious topics like suicide prevention. Frank explains that he had to overcome skepticism about his ability to address such issues. He credits his wife for suggesting he do a TEDx talk to gain credibility in the field.

Frank shares how he successfully transitioned into being a mental health advocate while still incorporating humor into his presentations. He believes that sharing lived experiences and using tasteful humor can effectively convey important messages about mental health and suicide prevention.

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as they discuss comedy and how sensitive people have become in recent years. Frank acknowledges that people sometimes take offense on behalf of others and reflects on the changing landscape of comedy in today's society.

Ken asks about the criteria companies use when hiring speakers like Frank. Frank emphasizes the importance of picking a niche and solving a specific problem. He chose to focus on suicide prevention in industries with high suicide rates, such as construction, mining, and agriculture. By specializing in this area, he attracts clients who are already aware of the problem and willing to address it.

Frank highlights that his lived experience and expertise in suicide prevention make him a valuable speaker. He provides training and educates various industries on mental health issues, ensuring that his talks are tailored to the specific needs of his audience.

The interview concludes with a discussion of the benefits of being a specialist in one field, as it simplifies SEO and marketing efforts. Frank shares that he charges $7,500 for a 45-minute presentation, which reflects his expertise and experience in the niche of suicide prevention.

Overall, the interview with Frank King highlights his unique journey from comedy to mental health advocacy and how he has effectively used humor to address serious issues like suicide prevention. His story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make a difference in the world of mental health and public speaking.

For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:

Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com

Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s

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#88 Mental Health Today with Sharon Rolph -"Finding Purpose in the Golden Years: Sharon Rolph on Transforming Retirement Mental Health"

In the captivating episode #88 of "Mental Health Today," Ken Stearns engages in a profound conversation with Sharon Rolph, a renowned retirement coach who brings a fresh and much-needed perspective to the mental health concerns of the aging population. Sharon, with her rich background and empathetic approach, emerges as a beacon of hope and guidance for those navigating the often-overlooked mental health challenges of retirement and aging.

Ken begins the episode by sharing his own enlightening experiences from traveling across the United States for his other podcast, The Jar. He reflects on the diverse mental health struggles and triumphs he's witnessed, setting the stage for a deep dive into the mental health landscape of maturing communities.

Sharon Rolph, with her vibrant energy and insightful wisdom, takes center stage as she eloquently unfolds the complexities faced by seniors in today's society. She brings to light the critical issue of mental health in the aging population, a topic often overshadowed in mainstream discussions. Sharon's expertise shines as she articulates the nuances of retirement - a phase that, while often idealized, can lead to feelings of isolation, boredom, and a loss of purpose.

Drawing on her diverse experiences, including a significant tenure at Boeing and her time as a Lyft driver, Sharon offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the psychological impact of retirement. She talks about the startling myth she encountered at Boeing, where it was believed that employees often die within three years of retiring. This myth, rooted in the loss of identity and purpose post-retirement, spurred Sharon to delve deeper into the psychology of retired life.

Throughout the conversation, Sharon emphasizes the importance of staying mentally and socially active. She discusses how retirees often struggle with the sudden lack of structure and purpose after leaving their careers. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Sharon delves into her personal journey, revealing how she broke away from a vow of invisibility made in her youth to become a visible, impactful coach helping others find their essence and purpose.

Sharon's approach to retirement coaching is holistic and empowering. She doesn't just focus on the financial aspects of retirement but delves into the emotional and psychological preparation needed for this significant life transition. Her methodology is about discovering and nurturing a new sense of purpose, building community, and fostering mental strength.

One of the most compelling parts of the episode is when Sharon discusses the concept of controlling one's thoughts to control one's life. She shares powerful personal anecdotes and strategies, such as recalling warm memories before challenging situations to improve mental strength and outlook.

Ken and Sharon also explore the resources available for retirees, discussing initiatives like AARP's Purpose Prize and the importance of community involvement and charity work in finding fulfillment. Sharon's passion and dedication to empowering retirees shine through as she talks about her book, "Fresh Courage in Retirement," and her mission to help people find joy, purpose, and vitality in their later years.

The episode concludes with a powerful message about the importance of aligning one's values with actions, especially in retirement. Sharon's transformative journey from feeling invisible to becoming a guiding light for many is not just inspiring but a testament to the power of resilience and purpose at any age. Her star quality as a coach and speaker is undeniable, leaving listeners with a renewed perspective on aging and mental health.

For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:

Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com

Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-today-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.