The Intersection of Public Relations and Mental Health

Public relations is known for its high expectations, tight deadlines, and constant pressure to perform. Professionals often juggle multiple clients, manage crises, and ensure positive media coverage. While the excitement and challenges of PR can be rewarding, the stress and workload can also take a toll on mental health. As mental health awareness grows, addressing PR professionals’ unique struggles and finding ways to maintain a healthy balance is crucial.

The Mental Health Challenge in PR

Working in public relations means being highly responsive, often acting immediately when news breaks or crises arise. The industry’s 24/7 nature makes it difficult to separate work from personal life, leading to burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion. PR professionals are often seen as the “fixers,” expected to handle situations gracefully, satisfy the client, and maintain composure.

However, this constant pressure to be “on” can have serious consequences. A 2019 report by PRWeek revealed that 60 per cent of PR professionals had experienced mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression at some point in their careers. The industry’s emphasis on performance and client demands often makes it harder for professionals to prioritize their well-being.

Striking the Right Balance

The demands of public relations make it all the more important to prioritize mental health. Here are some key strategies that can help maintain balance and manage stress:

1. Setting boundaries

One of the most effective ways to maintain balance is learning to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. While PR professionals often deal with unpredictable schedules, it’s essential to establish non-negotiable personal time. That could mean setting limits on checking emails after hours or designating certain days for mental health breaks. Boundaries help prevent burnout and create recharge space, ultimately boosting productivity and creativity.

For example, many PR firms are now encouraging their employees to disconnect on weekends and avoid after-hours emails unless there’s an urgent issue. By building a culture that respects personal time, these organizations acknowledge that mental health plays a vital role in overall performance.

2. Recognizing the signs of burnout

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of burnout before it escalates. Irritability, chronic fatigue, lack of motivation, and feeling emotionally drained are all common signs that stress is becoming overwhelming. Recognizing these signs early allows individuals to take a step back, assess their workload, and make adjustments before their mental health deteriorates.

PR professionals often feel the pressure to push through, but addressing burnout early is key to maintaining long-term well-being. Sometimes, taking a day off, delegating tasks, or even speaking with a manager about the workload can be helpful.

3. Open conversations about mental health

Fostering an open dialogue about mental health is critical in the workplace. When teams feel comfortable discussing their challenges, they can offer support and create a more empathetic environment. Companies in the PR industry are increasingly offering mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or wellness days, to help employees cope with stress.

For example, Ogilvy UK launched a “mental health ally” program where employees can reach out to designated individuals trained in mental health support. This initiative encourages open communication and reduces the stigma around seeking help.

Supporting Mental Health in PR: Company initiatives

Recognizing the mental health challenges PR professionals face, many agencies are implementing wellness programs and initiatives to support their employees’ mental well-being. For example, Edelman Canada launched its “Mental Health First Aiders” program, where employees are trained to provide immediate support to colleagues experiencing mental health challenges. This peer-support initiative fosters a supportive work environment and ensures employees feel they have someone to turn to.

Additionally, some firms are integrating wellness activities into the workday. This can range from virtual yoga sessions to offering access to mental health apps like Calm or Headspace. These small but impactful steps help PR professionals manage stress and improve overall well-being.

What Can Individuals Do?

If you’re working in public relations and struggling to balance your mental health with the demands of the industry, it’s important to take proactive steps:

• Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that help you unwind and relax, whether exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
• Stay organized: Use tools like project management apps or calendars to stay on top of deadlines without feeling overwhelmed. Breaking tasks into manageable steps can reduce the feeling of being buried under a mountain of work.
• Seek support: If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues, friends, or mental health professionals. Sometimes, talking it through with someone else can provide clarity and relief.

Mental health in public relations is an important conversation that needs to be addressed at both individual and organizational levels. While the industry’s demands are unlikely to change, how PR professionals approach their work can. By setting boundaries, recognizing burnout, fostering open conversations, and implementing wellness initiatives, we can create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone in the field.

Finding the balance between managing client expectations and personal well-being is possible and essential for long-term PR success. The more we prioritize mental health, the more resilient and effective we become professionals.