Storytelling as a Tool for Mental Health Awareness at Work
From the moment children are born, they are surrounded by stories. Our own lived experiences also become stories for us in the future. A story is a powerful tool that exists independent of time and space.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘storytelling’?
Is it music, any art form, or a bunch of people gathering to witness a story being told by someone? Well, it is all of that. Storytelling is one of the most free-flowing and influential forms of art. Of course, the most important thing in storytelling is the story that is being told, but it is also how it is communicated. Therefore, a lot of emphasis lies on building a bridge of trust, safety, and connection with the audience.
Benefits of storytelling
- It encourages you to reflect and analyze, making it a cognitively enhancing experience.
- It is a great medium to expose yourself to varied opinions and approaches.
- Controversial topics can be dealt with a lot of sensitivity in storytelling, making it a safe and comfortable space for exploration.
- Storytelling has been known to create more awareness and enhance emotional intelligence by instilling values and virtues
- It helps in dismantling the barriers created because of stigma and taboo when it comes to mental health.
Why does storytelling work?
It creates a sense of shared humanity. Every individual is unique and deals with problems in their unique ways. To be able to talk about these things through a story is what makes it a relatable experience for many. It helps find a community of like-minded people who can navigate life and challenges.
Stories are crafted with care and empathy to make them reflect on to the listeners. A story heard and shared in a safe place becomes a powerful tool for healing. When into the therapy room to talk about their challenges, their stories are safely heard and validated. This is what facilitates healing and growth for them.
When employees feel heard and validated, they are likely to empathize with others better and build more meaningful relationships at work. This shift not only improves mental wellbeing but also transforms the culture of your organization and fosters collaboration and resilience.
Storytelling is not merely restricted to inter-personal developments. It allows the individual to overcome their inhibitions, preconceived notions, and fears that they may be holding.
How to incorporate Storytelling in the Workplace?
- Human Library:
This is a fascinating space. At the human library, individuals are considered to be “living books”. You can decide on a topic that is relevant to your workspace and make that a theme. At the human library, you connect with someone who you do not know and talk about what is on your mind. Employees from different teams and departments can be randomly paired up with each other and after the initial ice-breaking, they are encouraged to share stories while the other person “reads” their story.
- Sharing Circles:
A sharing circle or a listening circle is a mindful group facilitated by a Mental Health Professional. A Psychologist creates a safe space by setting ground rules and establishing boundaries in the beginning. They will explain the concept of the group and set intentions and goals. This is done to make sure that everyone is on the same page. There could be a specific theme for the circle and employees are encouraged to share their experiences. These sharings are completely confidential, making it easier for employees to open up without shame and judgment. Even if employees do not feel comfortable sharing their experiences, they get to be a part of a collective experience where a safe listening space is created. These groups provide a great platform to vent out, seek support, and build genuine connections with one another.
- Storytelling events and meetups:
Organizations can arrange storytelling events with specific themes for the quarter. This encourages employees to keep reflecting on the theme and also gives them enough time to make necessary changes in their daily habits. For example, if the theme is ‘random acts of kindness’, it will encourage employees to reflect upon what kindness means to them, notice small acts that their colleagues have helped them with, and appreciate and acknowledge each other more.
- Celebrating Individuals and their journeys through a circular:
If individuals are comfortable sharing their stories, they can be circulated in the spotlight corners of the organization, in the monthly newsletters, or during monthly meetups with the whole team. These can come across as stories of championships. At Manah Wellness, we offer a unique program that enables you and your employees to become wellbeing champions. You can check the program out here.
FAQs
What if employees don’t feel comfortable sharing their mental health stories?
It is possible. Storytelling and sharing should always be voluntary. Employees might take longer to reciprocate and they might also find it challenging in the beginning. But it’s expected. The more engaged they feel with the story and the storyteller, the more they are likely to open up (gradually). To ensure their safety and facilitate comfort and encouragement, these sessions are best conducted by trained professionals who are well-versed with different demographics and different concerns. Once employees feel a level of comfort and connection, they will slowly start sharing.
