2022-May-31

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Sorry, I Was on Mute

BY SAUMYA BANSAL · SENIOR CONSULTANT, PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES · INDIA

WITH HELEN GALL

5 MINUTE READ · 7 MINUTE LISTEN

Sorry, I was on mute.

This might be the most used phrase since 2020.

It has become a welcome for new attendees. Often, we enter a meeting and immediately start talking without realizing the microphone icon has a red strike on it.

While we quickly unmute, give an awkward smile, and hesitantly repeat ourselves, we silently hope this would never have happened in the first place.

With the support of her team, Saumya found the courage to speak up about her mental health and embrace her vulnerabilities.

Listening to this phrase multiple times over the past few months, I asked myself, can these words have any other connotation? Perhaps an abstract one?

And just like in the animated shows from the 90s, a lightbulb lit in my head. It aligns with one of the most sought after and infrequently discussed topics, something most of the world strongly believes in: Mental health.

The year 2022 had a tough start for me. It started with a bout of viral fever, followed by COVID-19, and at the end, a peculiar infection in the stomach.

Each incident led to an emergency visit to the hospital — sometimes in the middle of the night — followed by a long hospitalization. The experience of spending time in ICU became etched in my memory, making it difficult to forget.

Weeks and weeks of treatment and numerous visits to multiple specialists had an immense impact on my mental health. Anxiety attacks, sweating, cold feet, and shaky palms became my routine.

It is astounding that a topic so important and relevant has not been openly discussed for decades in most places. At Cisco, however, leaders have always emphasized the importance of mental health.

At times, we all put up the mask of being strong, hiding our true selves and challenges.

Gladly, the taboo around mental health seems to be shattering.

From movie stars to professional athletes, everyone is talking about the importance of mental health openly and confidently.

Gymnast Simone Biles, considered by many to be the GOAT (greatest of all time), temporarily withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental well-being.

Similarly, professional tennis player Naomi Osaka dropped out of the French Open to focus on her well-being. It triggered a huge online debate, but she stood her ground.

Both scenarios reveal how the pressure of keeping up with expectations can get too daunting and affect one’s mental health. It takes immense courage to accept the fact that one needs a break to focus on mental health.

How did I recoup from mental health issues?

I give myself credit for not keeping my condition to myself but speaking up and sharing it with doctors, family members, friends, colleagues, and everyone who asked about my well-being.

Surprisingly, a lot of people opened up with the “Just between you and me…” stories and shared experiences and coping mechanisms.

Based on my experience, here is my guidance to anyone going through a similar situation:

Speak up: If you ever experience a variety of emotions coupled with sustained turmoil, speak up. Do not fear judgment. Share your challenges, emotions, and thoughts with people around you.
Shed a tear: There is no harm in expressing yourself emotionally. Research says crying releases oxytocin and endorphins. These feel-good chemicals can help ease both physical and emotional pain.
Seek professional help: I cannot stress this enough. Speak to a professional who can guide you through a tough time. Cisco’s Employee Assistance Program can help with counseling and personal support.
Keep yourself occupied: It is easier said than done but one way to keep your mind off certain things is to nudge it in another direction. Feed yourself with a creative capsule by indulging in your long-lost hobbies. Take some time to un-pretzel your brain and come back refreshed.

Teambuilding with the People and Culture team in Bangalore prior to COVID-19.

I am highly grateful to my amazing organization, which supported me in all possible ways.

By providing time off to help me rest and recuperate, my leadership team had my back and helped me navigate through this tough time.

Cisco’s medical benefits, Employee Assistance Program support, #SafeToTalk Community, Check-Ins on mental well-being, and the recently launched Sanvello app subscription played a key role in my recovery.

Cisco offers Days for Me in addition to regular leaves and holidays to allow time off to focus on self care. Employees can also attend frequent Pavelka sessions and webinars around health and wellness to be at their best, always.

Remember, it is OK to not be OK. Embrace your vulnerabilities. The ups and downs in life are bound to happen and are part of our existence. A straight line — even in an electrocardiograph — means we are not alive.

So, if ever you feel down or worthless again, take some time off, gather yourself, dust off the fears, adjust your crown, and walk again.

Just never be on mute!

Employee Resources

Wellbeing resources are available on the Global Wellbeing SharePoint site.
Visit the #SafeToTalk online community and join their Webex space for mental health resources and support
Contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to work through transitions, work-related stress, and other concerns.
Check out the Mental Well-Being Degreed Pathway if you’re anxious, depressed, grieving a loss, or want to stay connected.