Local businesses are tackling the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace, with Mandy McIntyre leading the charge for change. The owner of Level Up Consultants spoke at the Belmont County Safety Council meeting, which drew representatives from more than 70 area businesses to the St. Clairsville Recreation Center. The meeting’s focus was on seasonal depression and broader mental health challenges in the workplace.
McIntyre’s presentation, lasting just under an hour, provided attendees with insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues. Her message was clear: raising awareness and reducing stigma are essential steps in saving lives. Her slogan, “It takes more than a hard hat to keep a head safe,” emphasized the importance of holistic well-being in the workplace.
“At Level Up Consultants, we focus on improving company culture and helping leadership teams recruit, engage, and retain employees in the healthiest environment possible,” McIntyre explained.
McIntyre, whose career began in construction, founded Level Up Consultants after a close friend and colleague died from a drug overdose following years of battling addiction. This loss, she explained, deeply impacted her perspective on mental health and led her to pursue advocacy for mental wellness in the workplace.
“His passing made me reconsider how we view mental health. Could I have prevented his death? I don’t know. But I can help prevent others,” McIntyre said, underscoring her commitment to spreading awareness about mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
She went on to clarify the difference between empowering and enabling individuals with substance use disorders. “Substance use disorder is a disease, just like diabetes or any other illness,” McIntyre noted. “The stigma around it often leads to enabling behaviors, which only worsen the situation.”
McIntyre then pivoted to a discussion on the broader concept of mental health, defining it as encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health affects decision-making, relationships, and stress management, she explained. Stress, she noted, is subjective—what is stressful for one person may not be for another.
“Understanding mental health can be challenging because it’s so individualized,” she said. “Mental health struggles can manifest in a variety of ways, from early warning signs to full-blown crises, such as suicidal thoughts or severe substance abuse.”
Addressing the misconception that individuals with mental health diagnoses have poor mental health, McIntyre shared her personal experience living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. “I manage my conditions through therapy, medication, exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep,” she said. “Having a mental illness does not equate to poor mental health.”
She also discussed the signs and symptoms of mental health issues in the workplace. Employees might exhibit changes in behavior, such as frequent absences or relationship difficulties. Often, however, colleagues and employers hesitate to intervene, fearing they’re overstepping personal boundaries.
McIntyre posed a question to the audience: “How long do you think it takes from when someone first notices mental health signs to when they seek professional help?” After several guesses ranging from six months to three years, she revealed that the average delay is 11 years. According to the National Library of Medicine, the median delay is 10 years for initial contact with a general doctor and 11 years for a psychiatrist.
“We need to close this gap,” McIntyre stressed. “People shouldn’t suffer in silence. It’s not a badge of honor to bury mental health struggles. Left unchecked, these issues can manifest in physical illness or escalate into crises.”
The topic of burnout also took center stage. McIntyre referenced the World Health Organization’s definition of burnout as a syndrome caused by chronic workplace stress that has not been managed effectively.
“Burnout occurs when employees feel they have nothing left to give because their energy has been depleted,” she explained. “This often leads to quiet quitting or employees searching for new jobs due to unsustainable stress in their current roles.”
She noted that many employees leave not because of the company itself but because of toxic leadership. “A lot of people are great at their jobs, but they struggle as leaders,” McIntyre said. “Effective leadership is about influence and motivation, not just managing tasks.”
She concluded by emphasizing that leadership is about inspiring and guiding others, not just overseeing their work. “Too many bad bosses are contributing to burnout and turnover,” McIntyre said. “We need more leaders who know how to communicate and set clear expectations.”
As businesses continue to prioritize mental health in the workplace, McIntyre’s efforts are part of a growing movement to create safer, more supportive environments for employees across the region.
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