Workplace mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves, but truly understanding it goes beyond raising awareness—it’s about having real, honest conversations. We spoke with Desislava Koeva, a TA team member, to uncover the often-overlooked sides of mental health at work. Through personal stories and practical advice, she sheds light on creating a supportive, healthier work environment.
Is there an aspect of workplace mental health that you feel doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
We need to rethink how we talk and think about mental health in the workplace—and beyond that. I’d like to share some data from the World Health Organization (WHO) that I believe highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health in every aspect of our lives:
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community… Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.”
This underscores the crucial need for companies to create an environment where employees feel safe expressing themselves and confidently receiving support when needed.
I’ve noticed a growing trend of organizations investing in individual stress management tools and mental health resources, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs). This is an encouraging step in the right direction. However, much more needs to be done as not only individual help should be considered but also the creation of a supporting work environment.
Unreasonable workloads, lack of work-life balance, and the constant threat of redundancy are just a few issues that must be tackled. These factors contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering fear among employees that disclosing their struggles will lead to judgment.
What personal boundary have you learned to set at work, and how has it impacted your mental health?
The real game-changer was learning not to check my corporate email or Slack after working hours. I used to think I needed to stay updated on everything happening at work as if missing something might bring about the end of the world. Surprisingly (or perhaps not), nothing catastrophic ever happened. The world didn’t end; the work was still there, and my emails patiently awaited my response the following day.
Jokes aside, we live in an era that constantly pushes us to be online—responding immediately to messages, posting photos from events, reading the news while listening to a podcast, and fearing that we’re always missing out on something (FOMO syndrome). Even when we tell ourselves, “I’ll just take a quick look at my work email during my time off; I won’t respond,” the information sticks in our minds, and we think about it anyway.
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people have jobs that require them to be available 24/7, or they find that knowing what’s coming the next day reduces their stress. Ultimately, it’s about finding what helps you sleep better at night—and committing to it, no matter what.
What was the moment when you realized you needed to rethink your approach to mental well-being at work?
It was while I was pursuing a master’s degree, balancing work and studying at the same time, that everything started to feel overwhelming. I began experiencing panic attacks, and that’s when I realized I needed to make a change. I began to say no—not only to extra hours at work but also to meetings with friends or any activities that felt too much at the time. I permitted myself to slow down a bit; surprisingly, nothing bad happened. I still managed to finish my dissertation on time, and my colleagues and friends showed nothing but support for me.
Since then, I have consciously recognised the early signs of burnout, such as constant fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, loss of motivation, feeling detached from work, and experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension. While it’s not always easy, and I admit there are times when I neglect my well-being, I view this as a continuous journey without a definitive endpoint.
What’s a common misunderstanding about workplace mental health that you think holds people back?
Lack of understanding: I feel that most people are afraid to talk about mental health at work because they fear being judged or even considered helpless. Also, they think admitting they need support can impact their career and development in the organisation.
Something we can do to avoid this is to create a “safe space” in the workplace by creating an environment that promotes trust, open communication, mutual respect, and the empowerment of individuals to be their authentic selves. This can be done by keeping open communication as much as possible, creating a culture of appreciation between employees that sets clear boundaries, and avoiding judgment by celebrating the differences between people.
What’s one habit or daily ritual that helps you manage stress and stay balanced?
Walking. As simple as it sounds, this physical activity helps me stay balanced and focused on my daily tasks. Unfortunately, I don’t always have the time—and let’s be honest, sometimes the motivation—to engage in sports or exercise every day. That’s why I aim to walk for at least an hour each day without checking my phone. Whether during my lunch break or on my way to work, it is important to carve out this time to disconnect from the world.
What’s a single piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their career on protecting their mental well-being?
As you begin your career, remember this - there was work before us, and there will be work after us - so prioritize yourself above all else. I am not saying to neglect or not care about your job; we all develop by working. Also, engaging in hobbies and other interests can foster valuable habits and behaviours that seamlessly translate into your professional life
However, don't be afraid to say “no” when you’ve reached your limits, and ensure you carve out time to recharge without guilt. It’s tempting to prove yourself by taking on everything, but burnout doesn’t help anyone—not you, your team, or your goals. And please don’t be afraid to seek help - a thriving career is built on a strong, healthy foundation, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
It’s our responsibility to build a world free from stigma around mental well-being, where everyone feels empowered to speak openly about it.
