What do we come to work with? Skills, titles, responsibilities. What else? The weight of the morning, the rush to get out the door, the things we didn’t sleep over, the text we forgot to reply to. And beyond all that, we carry stories. Some visible, some hidden. Stories, shaped by what we’ve been through and who we’re trying to become. They live behind the brightest smiles and the busiest calendars – as well as in moments of stress, quiet victories, or the hard work of showing up when it’s tough.
Driven by our Purpose of Giving Our World More Smiles, we believe that it starts with taking care of the people who actually create them. And probably, sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer one another is the space to speak openly and the time to listen. For this Mental Health Awareness Week, we asked our colleagues from different countries to share their lived experiences of managing their mental health at the workplace – what helps, what hurts, and what heals.
Five voices, five real stories.
We begin the series with Andy Ross, Deputy Head of Corporate Communications at Fujifilm Europe. In a team, he’s known for his sharp mind, easy-going vibe, and the ability to turn a tangled conversation into something suddenly clear. He’s quick to spot the irony in a situation and is rarely seen without a smile. In this interview, he opens up to show what’s behind that image. And well, maybe, leadership also means going first – saying the quiet part out loud, so that others feel safe to follow.
“There is nothing lost in being honest – not just with others, but with yourself.”
– There’s no one way that mental health struggles manifest in life – they’re deeply personal and unique to each individual. For me, it began with a life event: almost 20 years ago, my Dad experienced what he described as “an uncomfortable twinge” – a mild heart attack. While it didn’t leave him with lasting harm, it ignited a fear in me that spiraled into anxiety, panic, and eventually depression. As a 19-year-old at University, thoughts of death became all-consuming. Anxiety took over, leaving me hyper-conscious of my heartbeat, terrified of being too far from hospitals, and even unable to enjoy something as light-hearted as watching Scrubs with my housemates. Looking back, I can see how my low self-esteem and poor physical health at the time made me more vulnerable – but the truth is, struggles like these can happen to anyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Managing your mental health isn’t a straight road. The turning point was opening up – first to friends, then to my parents, who encouraged me to seek help. Over the years, I learned to manage my mental health through talking therapies and prescription medication – then after that, being mature enough to have the willingness to confront the ups and downs head-on. Even now, as a 38-year-old parent, frequent traveler (despite my fear of flying), and someone working in a high-demand, always-on job, both rational and irrational anxiety or panic occasionally resurfaces. It’s something you never lose. But I’ve learned that proactively managing my mental well-being starts with being honest – both with others and with myself. Sharing your struggles can feel like the hardest step, but it’s also one of the most important. Whether it’s the beginning of your journey or part of a lifelong process, talking to someone can make all the difference.
During busy or challenging times, what’s your go-to strategy for managing stress and maintaining your mental balance?
– Talking. A very British saying is, “a problem shared is a problem halved.” Saying things out loud helps me make sense of them and feel less alone – and there are some go-to people at work, or former colleagues, who I know I can rely on. Also, in a busy working life, I always spend a few quiet moments each morning and at the end of every day to write down my thoughts, to-do’s, and actions – to declutter my mind. It can help break challenges into smaller, manageable steps and focus on what’s actually in my control. It’s simple but helps me feel grounded before the chaos starts – and after it ends. Other than that, making the most of time with family – particularly holidays – is massive for maintaining mental balance. Making the most of your own time is valuable, spending quality time away from work and on the things that truly matter in life.
What are some early signs that tell you it’s time to take a break?
– I’m not great at this – but anyone who has suffered from anxiety or panic attacks knows their own signs. For me, constant aches, pains, and tension are a big clue – feeling the stress in my body. Nowadays, when I notice these signs, I find an avenue to call out my anxiety or stress – or even ask for help. That’s my starting point to reset and recharge.
Who or what aspects of your work environment or team contribute most to your mental well-being?
– Establishing a support network – and having no qualms about a culture of openness around your own mental health make the biggest difference, at least to me. On a practical level, all of our healthcare systems from the UK to Germany still require much improvement in dealing with mental health – we’re still in the dark ages!
Why do you believe open conversations about mental health are important in the workplace?
– Talking about mental health normalises it – sharing your story personalises it, and reminds us we are all individuals with our own stories and backgrounds. From dedicated Awareness Weeks like this, to small conversations by the coffee machine, it’s valuable to create a culture of kindness and empathy at work – which ultimately benefits us all, and the business.
If you could share one key takeaway about looking after your mind, what would it be?
– There is nothing lost in being honest – not just with others, but with yourself. Whether it’s a small step like talking to someone or taking time to reset, looking after your mind is an ongoing process, and that’s perfectly okay.
When care becomes culture
We believe that the health of any team depends on how well we care for the people behind it. That’s why stories, like these, matter. Through these real voices, we aim to help normalise the conversation around mental health and, as it is outlined in Fujifilm’s Sustainable Value Plan 2030, we are committed to creating a supportive and positive working environment where people can thrive.
In September 2019, we’ve adopted the Fujifilm Group Employee Wellness Declaration – a commitment to building a culture where support is visible and well-being is treated as a shared responsibility. Our top priority is supporting employee wellness initiatives to inspire our colleagues to improve their physical and mental well-being so they can be energetic and have a zest for life.
While the declaration outlines the intent, it’s our people who bring it to life in conversations and everyday choices we make as colleagues, teammates, and leaders. And this is how care becomes culture.
If you’re looking for support
Mental health is deeply personal but that doesn’t mean you have to face challenges alone. You matter. And getting help is a strength. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, burnout, or just feel like something’s off, there are many helplines with people ready to listen and help you make sense of what you are feeling.
For hotline and lifeline options by country, check out these websites:
findahelpline.com
yourlifecounts.org
https://unisafe-gbv.eu/national-support-resources-counselling-and-helplines/
Find out more about mental health and devoted initiatives here:
https://www.mentalhealtheurope.org/
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use