Did you know that one in five people living in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness?
For people working in creative professions, the number is even higher. Yet, 63% don’t get the support or help they need. Primarily due to the stigma associated with it.
To shed light on this jarring statistic and help de-stigmatize mental health, David&Goliath announced it will add one floating PTO day to the current benefits package and name it Mental Health Day. In 2018, every employee will get a Mental Health Day off of their choosing in addition to their sick, personal and vacation time.
“For so long mental illness has been considered a taboo topic. Shame, fear and lack of understanding has prevented people from getting the support they need. They suffer alone and the result is devastating,” said David Angelo, founder & chairman of creative agency David&Goliath.
In addition to a Mental Health Day, the agency will also be offering mental health seminars such as Mood and Food, that helps participants define, identify and develop skills to manage emotional eating; and Stress Management, a seminar that discusses the impact of stress and ways to reduce it.
“Then in 2019 and beyond, we’re committed to forging a brave, new path, to help shape mental health standards across our entire industry,” Angelo added.
If you or someone you know struggles with mental health concerns contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
About David&Goliath
David&Goliath is an independently operated, wholly-owned, subsidiary of Innocean Worldwide. Founded in Los Angeles in 1999, the agency is dedicated to helping brands connect with their challenger spirit and outsmart and outperform the competition.
