My Advice to LGBTQ+ Professionals on Looking After Your Mental Health

By Klaus Goodwin, Executive Director, R&D Quality & Compliance at Organon

 

1. Disconnect from work and social networks as often as possible and spend time in nature to re-fill your oxygen batteries.

 

2. Learn to say "NO" and be comfortable in saying "NO"

 

3. Take 30 minutes to one hour self-care time for you whether it is to go to the salon, get a facial, massage, exercise, whatever but it is your time. Be selfish for your self-care daily.

 

4. Be courageous and bring your whole self to work; don’t hide but be proud of who you are/who you’ve become, and engage with LGBTQ+ peers and allies in e.g., ERGs or elsewhere.

 

5. Be honest about yourself and how you think and feel, and seek help when you need it - don’t apologize for it.

Klaus Goodwin