Mental Health in the Workplace with Dr. Andy Melton

·1 hr 7 min·5 clips

Dr. Andy Melton reveals that anxiety is when your mind is stuck in the future, and depression is when it's stuck in the past.

The episode begins with host Trace Blackmore promoting sponsors Pixis Lab, Masters Company, Radical Polymers, and MFG Chemical, followed by announcements about Industrial Water Week, which will feature daily themed episodes and new Detective H2O segments. Blackmore then introduces the main interview with Dr. Andy Melton, a licensed counselor and executive coach based in Nashville. Dr. Melton shares his background, including his work with disconnected couples, restless entrepreneurs, and adult anxiety. He explains that mental health stigma persists in the workplace because employers are not neutral parties, creating a conflict of interest when discussing personal issues. Dr. Melton lists signs of declining mental health, such as drops in productivity, withdrawal, irritability, procrastination, concentration issues, negative thinking, fatigue, and physical symptoms like headaches. He suggests self-monitoring through eating, sleeping, and tracking stress levels on a scale. Dr. Melton advises employers to use open-ended questions, normalize mental health conversations, conduct anonymous surveys, and promote psychological safety through resources like Employee Assistance Programs. He addresses the hypothetical scenario of an anonymous survey revealing suicidal thoughts, recommending consultation with a mental health professional and using the 988 crisis line. Dr. Melton explains that stress can separate mind and body, with anxiety linked to future-focused thoughts and depression to past-focused thoughts. He teaches grounding techniques, including a four-second breathing box, sensory scans, and body scans. The interview concludes with a lightning round where Dr. Melton shares advice for new counselors, recommends resources, and names Alan Ritchson as his ideal actor. Blackmore reflects on the importance of vulnerability and support groups, encouraging listeners to seek help and use the provided resources.

As heard by us

A clear look at how employers can check in with care while respecting the power built into the role.

Workplace mental health gets complicated when a change in performance also raises concern for the person behind it. A manager may care sincerely, but the role still carries evaluative power.

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Why you'd press play

When performance changes, learn how to check in without pretending you are a neutral party.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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