Workplace mental health: video study

Exploration of U.S. workplace mental health (ca. 2018), including healthcare parity and availability of reasonable accommodations

Create a multimedia study on mental health parity and accommodation in U.S. corporate environments.
The thesis: Building a career presents different stressors and challenges at different points in time (e.g., during a job search, during the first 90 days in a new role, and while engaging in ongoing career management), which are exacerbated when individuals are living with a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
The study, called The Peace of Work, sought to gather first-hand storytelling from individuals facing these challenges who shared what enabled them to find peace in their careers and working lives.
Ultimately the goal was to encourage further participation and storytelling from the public, toward destigmatizing mood disorders and neurodiversity in the workplace and encouraging mental health parity, equity and availability of accommodation for workers who request them.

I developed (scripted, shot, edited and post-produced) a variety of short video content comprised of interviews, presentations of statistical research, infographics, and narrated animation. Where feasible and appropriate, the content was edited to be shareable on social media.
I then developed a single-page microsite, called “The Peace of Work,” to house the content. While that site is no longer active, some of the content originally presented there is shared below.

An introduction to The Peace of Work.
Animation by Outside the Lines Creative Group.

Setting the stage for the project, a brief demographic summary relative to mood disorders in the corporate workplace.

Patricia Tinsley, a Chicago actor, on navigating self-image and managing self-criticism in her work environment.

Paul Tinsley, a Chicago actor, on making sacrifices in work and life … and fighting against a merciless enemy.

Cheryl Potts, executive director of the Kennedy Forum Illinois, discusses mental health care and parity with other care.

Jeff, a Chicago videographer, discusses seeking self-motivation at work, and knowing when to move on.

Julie, a comedian and coach, discusses the importance of “finding the funny” at work and how it can lead to lasting social connections.

Interviewees share their best advice for navigating a challenging job search, and what kinds of support worked best for them.

A one-minute primer on employee assistance programs, used as an intro to a discussion of the Mental Health Parity Act.