What We Can Learn From Jenna Marbles

On June 25th, Jenna Marbles uploaded a video shocking her millions of fans. Jenna, after apologizing for past videos that may have offended anyone, announced that she was indefinitely saying goodbye to YouTube. Though there were many reasons behind this break a big stand out reason for this was to focus on her mental health.

Mental health has been looked at a lot more lately than perhaps it has been in the past, when there was a stigma around anything to do with mental health and people were often sent to asylums. Now mental health is looked at more keenly with an awareness on the topic being widespread.

Some things that can take a toll on mental health can be situations that can affect the way that we see ourselves, others and the world around us. Jenna, noticed that her videos and cancel culture were taking a toll on her mental health and voiced her need for a break from said videos. This was brave of Jenna to do as a lot of people let their mental health go unchecked, especially when their job is involved. Many people will go to a job that can have aspects that trigger factors within a mental illness but will continue to go due to needing a pay cheque or not considering their health important enough to take time off, some not even taking time off when physically sick let alone mentally.

As discussed before, there is a lot more awareness around mental health than there used to be. Despite this there is not always proper ways to support our mental health in the workplace. Often employees will not utilize time off to improve their mental health and sometimes this can come crashing down with the employee quitting or being fired.

When a workplace promotes and supports its employees mental health that can increase productivity, reduce absences and employee turn over. Things that can promote mental wellness do not need to be overly expensive and can save the company in the long run. In fact, there have been studies done that prove increased stress is a cause of low productivity. Seems like a no brainer that companies would want to promote good mental health in the workplace. Despite all of these facts, some workplaces don’t provide any support for mental wellness. I can think of many instances where employees have been disciplined for taking time off and this is time off without pay.

Of course, on there other end of the scale there are companies that provide a wide spectrum of help for their employees, including but not limited to anonymous helplines to call, pamphlets on how to tell if you need help and where to find it, relaxation rooms, yoga rooms and more. A workplace with an open door policy is a positive place to start and costs no money at all.

In the end, it all comes down to money. Will companies spend the money needed to promote a workplace withstand supports mental health. If not, will an employee be able to take time off without worrying about how they will survive without a pay cheque. Many of you will say of course Jenna could take the time off, she has enough earnings from YouTube. While yes it is easier to take the time needed while having money in the bank it is not the only way. If ever in doubt please look into any help that may be offered by your community. Always know that you are never truly alone.