Leadership | 10.09.25
Finding Balance: Mental Health, DEI, and the Power of Joy
By Kenickay Prendergast
What do mismatched socks, a shared laugh, and a workplace wellness initiative have in common? More than you think. Each can be a small but powerful reminder that mental health is not a separate category of life; it is woven into everything we do, including how we connect, how we work, and how we celebrate each other.
World Mental Health Day, celebrated on Friday, Oct. 10, reminds us that taking care of our well-being is not only about therapy sessions or wellness apps. It is also about building communities where people feel supported, seen, and included. And here’s where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) comes in: Mental health thrives in environments where everyone’s experiences are valued, respected, and uplifted.
A Story to Spark a Smile
One colleague began a tradition called “Sock Friday. Every week, they would show up to the office in the most outrageous socks, bananas, avocados, even socks that lit up. At first, it was a private way of coping with stress. But soon, others looked forward to Friday just to see what pair would appear next. What started as a personal ritual became a collective source of joy, sparking conversations, laughter, and connection.
The surprising lesson? Something as simple as socks created a moment of lightness in a stressful environment. It broke down barriers, gave people permission to be authentic, and reminded everyone that mental health is supported not only in serious conversations but also in shared joy.
Where DEI and Mental Health Meet
DEI efforts are often discussed in terms of policy, representation, or access. But they are also about the invisible culture we create together. When individuals from diverse backgrounds feel safe to bring their whole selves, including their struggles, it opens the door to healthier, more authentic conversations about well-being.
Mental health challenges do not look the same for everyone. For some, it is managing burnout. For others, it may be navigating stigma in their community. Equity means recognizing those differences and ensuring resources and compassion are accessible for all. Inclusion means creating spaces where vulnerability is not met with silence but with support.
Building Balance One Step at a Time
How do we bring all this together in practice? Here are a few ideas worth carrying into our daily work:
- Normalize wellness language. A simple “I took a mental health day” from a leader can go further than a dozen memos in reducing stigma.
- Honor diverse needs. Not everyone will seek support the same way. Offering flexible options — from counseling and peer groups to wellness stipends — creates equity in access.
- Create moments of levity. Whether it is Sock Friday, gratitude shoutouts, or team building with a sense of humor, joy is not a distraction — it is fuel for resilience.
- Lead with inclusion. Listen with empathy. Respect boundaries. Encourage authenticity. A culture of inclusion naturally becomes a culture that safeguards mental health.
The Takeaway
Mental health is not a side note; it is the foundation of how we live, work, and thrive. When we weave DEI into our approach, we ensure that no one feels left out of the conversation. And when we infuse that approach with moments of joy and authenticity, we remind each other that balance is not only possible but worth celebrating.
This World Mental Health Day, let us commit to workplaces where compassion is as common as coffee breaks, where inclusion supports wellness, and where even a pair of outrageous socks can make someone’s day a little brighter.
Because when mental health and DEI work hand in hand, we do not just build stronger teams; we build healthier, more human communities.