2022-May-18

Did you know? You can share this story using the social media icons on the upper left. Use the hashtag #WeAreCisco. You can also rate or comment on the story below.

Why We Should Talk About Mental Health

BY SAMPATH BANANDA · BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER · INDIA

WITH KRYSTAL CHENG

3 MINUTE READ · 5 MINUTE LISTEN

When 2022 began, I never thought I would experience such a different state of mind. I was angry, sad, and worried.

For the past two years, COVID-19 brought many challenges. My personal and professional life went through drastic changes. Finding the right balance for both became a mammoth task.

I had read somewhere, “The only person who needs to know about your mental illness is you.”

I initially ignored all the signs that told me I was not OK and tried to deal with it on my own.

But one day, while driving back from my hometown of Virajpet, Karantaka with my friend, I realized that my mixed emotions were on my mind. I stopped the car and handed the keys over to him.

It all started from there.

For weeks, I was unable to understand my own mind.

One second, I was calm. The next, I would have mood swings. This created a difficult environment for my family, friends, and neighbours.

I do not know how many relationships I lost during the span of those eight to 10 weeks, but I realized one thing: I should talk openly about my mental health and seek help from my support system.

My supportive family and friends, Cisco team, and doctors

I thank my wife Shyla, 14-year-old son Shashank, my brother-in-law, his wife, my parents, and all my dear friends and family members who fully supported me during this tough phase of my life.

Without their support, it would have been difficult for me to come out of this scary mindset.

I appreciate my team, who supported me from day one by talking openly about mental health, staying in constant touch with my family, and giving me extra space for a speedy recovery.

I’m grateful to Cisco and its Employee and Family Assistance Program that allowed me to take time away from work to regain a peaceful mindset and heal.

A special note of gratitude goes to my dedicated, thoughtful, and compassionate doctors at Narayana Health.

Their valuable insight really helped me understand my situation. They all went above and beyond to care for my health. I feel so blessed to have them as my medical care providers.

Through short meditations, I’ve attained deep peace, happiness, and inner silence.

I start my day with the promise not to worry or get angry. To be honest, love everything and everyone, and respect every deed.

Keeping a positive state of mind is the key. I have been working to reduce the negative thoughts that come into my mind and focus on the ones that matter.

No matter what condition you face, you should feel empowered to share it with your support network.

During difficult times, it is normal to feel anxious, isolated, or overwhelmed.

Talking about our feelings, exercising regularly, practising mindfulness, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep are just some steps we can all take to improve mental health.

But here are a few more things that I learned about well-being:

• Document conversations and requests in case I forget due to mood swings, depression, or anxiety.
• Turn to experienced medical professionals: It can make all the difference.
• Meditation is helpful in reducing my negative thoughts.
• Pause to think before acting.
• Prescribed medication can be key for mental health.

Getting back to work

While the first few days of getting back to work were not easy, my team helped me to adjust.

Many have said, “I remember going through a hard time and hearing that I will be looked after by Cisco. I truly was.”

I’m proud to say that I am now one of those people. Thank you to Cisco, my family, and my support system for helping me through this difficult time.

Employee Resources

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Join an Inclusive Community
• Global Wellbeing Community
• Join the #SafeToTalk Webex space
• Learning & Development
• Share your story

Related Links

• Our Impact - CSR & Time2Give
• Careers at Cisco

---

Connect everything. Innovate everywhere. Benefit everyone.