Mental health conditions impact billions of people around the world, with one in five U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year. No matter the location or background, embracing and adopting strong awareness around mental health advocacy can help people around the world cope with the stresses presented in life. Observed annually during the first week of October, Mental Illness Awareness Week unites communities around the world to raise awareness and fight the stigma around mental health conditions.
No one should face these challenges alone. Recognized on October 10, World Mental Health Day reinforces the awareness week’s message while serving as a powerful global reminder that mental and emotional well-being deserves our attention, care, and action. Perficient is proud to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, to make a difference in building better lives for people living with mental illness.
What Is Mental Illness?
Mental illness affects how people think, feel, and interact—and its impact often reaches far beyond the individual. Even for those not personally experiencing mental illness, like family, friends, and communities, understanding common symptoms and knowing how to offer support can make a meaningful difference.
Recognizing early signs such as persistent sadness, excessive worry, changes in sleep or appetite, and social withdrawal can help connect someone to the care they need. In more serious cases, symptoms can involve hallucinations, delusions, or thoughts of self-harm. Understanding expected behaviors and responding with empathy is key to breaking stigma and supporting recovery for those with mental disorders.
Common mental health conditions deeply affect how a person functions and relates to others. While a stressful home or work life could make individuals more likely to become susceptible to the effects, the reality is that mental illnesses are more common than believed and can impact anyone. Research suggests that conditions are not linked to a specific event, but our well-being is shaped by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and the environments we live in. Mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, and support is available through therapy, meditation practices, and compassionate professionals.
Read More: Learn About the Common Mental Health Conditions and Treatment Options
You Are Not Alone: Supporting NAMI and Mental Health Advocacy
NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of people affected by mental illness. Through education, advocacy, and support, NAMI works to improve outcomes for individuals and families while fighting stigma and expanding access to care. Financial contributions and acts of kindness help create a world where those affected can experience hope, recovery, and freedom from stigma.
How to Get Involved in NAMI’s mission:
- Join local NAMIWalks events to raise awareness and show support.
- Donate or start a fundraiser to help expand access to vital mental health resources.
- Share your story to help normalize conversations around mental health.
- Advocate for the mental health of underrepresented groups and communities by sharing helpful information, showing compassion, and writing to legislators to improve access to mental health services.
For those in need of immediate assistance or support, NAMI offers a confidential helpline with one-on-one support and mental health information. The organization also provides a broad spectrum of crisis guides and educational classes, in addition to a ‘Ask the Expert’ webinar series featuring professionals who share key research and advice related to mental illnesses.
Perficient colleagues in the U.S. can also support NAMI through the Perficient Gives Charitable Match program. Through the program, colleagues can donate to NAMI via payroll deductions, which Perficient will match dollar for dollar. In 2024, we collectively donated more than $8,000 to NAMI! Together, we’re building stronger communities and increasing visibility for mental well-being around the world.
Read More: NAMI Shares Tips on Reducing and Managing Stress
LiveWell ERG: Creating Healthier Habits Through a Global Wellness Challenge
Perficient’s LiveWell Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a community of colleagues committed to supporting one another in building healthier habits—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Focused on achieving better overall well-being in health, relationships, and financial wellness, the LiveWell ERG provides practical tools, resources, and peer support to help colleagues take meaningful steps toward balance.
Building on the momentum from last year’s efforts, Perficient’s LiveWell ERG is hosting a second annual Global Wellness Challenge during October. This is a month-long challenge that encourages colleagues to participate in healthy daily habits across four categories: Nutrition, Rest, Mind, and Exercise. Whether it’s journaling, stretching, unplugging, or choosing nourishing meals, the challenge is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and easy to join.
The friendly competition encourages colleagues across Perficient’s global offices to share the activities that they are participating in throughout the month while sparking global connection and conversation around mental health. The impact goes beyond the points earned and focuses on progress, community, and showing up for yourself and others.
Read More: Learn How Our Colleagues Prioritize Work-Life Balance and Self-Care
Building A Unified and Compassionate Culture Around Mental Wellness
In today’s fast-paced work environment, prioritizing and spreading awareness about mental health is imperative. When organizations champion authentic connections and embrace well-being, they create a collaborative, inclusive culture that elevates growth and aligns with colleagues’ personal values.
Here are a few ways Perficient’s teams support colleagues:
- Embrace Work-Life Balance: flexible work arrangements empower colleagues to manage their time in ways that support their personal well-being, whether through wellness activities or taking a few moments to yourself before a meeting.
- Create Open Dialogue: creating safe spaces encourages colleagues to have honest conversations about stress, burnout, and mental health.
- Share Helpful Resources: from materials shared during mental health days to employee assistance programs (EAPs), colleagues have access to tools and resources that support emotional well-being.
- Recognition and Connection: whether it’s a shoutout in a team meeting or a virtual coffee chat, recognition and connection help colleagues feel seen and valued.
- Leadership with Empathy: empathetic leadership creates a ripple effect. By modeling balance, setting boundaries, and prioritizing people, our leaders inspire their teams to do the same.
“I’m proud to be part of Perficient because my personal values align with the company’s. I value the culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion. I work with talented people who challenge, inspire, and support me. At Perficient, there’s a clear focus on doing the right thing—not only for our clients but also for our communities and each other as a team.” – Cecilia Prieto, Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist, Uruguay
Read More: Discover Mindful Practices for Mental Health at Work
Our Commitment to Wellness Is a Shared Journey
Amplifying voices through mental health advocacy is essential for building resiliency and ensuring those with mental illness are not alone. Being an advocate for mental health empowers individuals to manage stress, communicate effectively, and pursue meaningful growth, no matter their role or environment. When organizations lead with empathy and take intentional steps that support well-being, they help create environments where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.
By continuing to prioritize compassion, connection, and care, we’re shaping a future where mental health is embraced as a part of everyday life. World Mental Health Day is a reminder to pause and reflect—but it’s also a chance to recommit. Whether it’s joining a wellness challenge, supporting a nonprofit organization like NAMI, or simply checking in with a colleague, every action matters.
Real impact comes from embedding mental health into the way we support, connect, and grow. When we help one another build healthy habits, navigate challenges, and foster open dialogue, we strengthen our teams and culture. The result is a workplace where people feel more connected and better equipped to thrive.
It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.
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The initiatives by Perficient and NAMI to support mental well-being and fight stigma are truly inspiring. I appreciate the focus on creating safe spaces, promoting work-life balance, and encouraging open dialogue around mental health. The Global Wellness Challenge sounds like a fantastic way to build community and foster healthier habits. Thank you for sharing this uplifting and impactful message that reminds us all to prioritize kindness, support, and self-care every day.
A beautifully written and thoughtful piece! It’s wonderful how you emphasize compassion and self-care while raising awareness for mental health. Truly uplifting and inspiring for readers everywhere.