As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on something that hits close to home.
Over the years, I’ve lost people I cared about—people who were carrying more than they let on. And I know I’m not alone in that. Many of us have friends, family, or colleagues who’ve struggled in silence, who’ve pulled away, or who’ve quietly battled inner storms while showing up like everything was fine.
That’s why this conversation matters.
Mental health isn’t a bonus benefit or an afterthought. It’s foundational. It shapes how we handle stress, how we connect with others, how we lead, how we love, and how we live.
And the truth is, it’s easy to miss what people are going through—especially when everyone’s rushing, performing, and trying to keep up appearances.
That’s why at Dimalanta, we created something simple but intentional: we give every team member a paid day off in May called May Day.
Not a vacation day. Not a work-from-home day. A true mental health day.
A day to unplug from phones, social media, emails—even from others if that’s what they need. A day to reconnect with themselves in whatever way fills their soul. Maybe it’s a long hike. A deep nap. A quiet prayer. A journal session. A cup of coffee with no distractions. It’s theirs, and they don’t have to explain it.
It’s just one day. But it sends a message:
Your mind matters. Your rest matters. You matter.
For Leaders and Anyone Who Cares
We live in a world that glamorizes hustle, perfection, and non-stop productivity. And while drive has its place, what we need more of—especially now—is gentle strength.
The strength to slow down.
To listen.
To notice.
To let someone be real without rushing to fix them.
To model rest instead of burnout.
Whether you lead a business, a team, a family, or a group of friends—you set a tone. You help make it safe for others to say, “I’m not okay,” or “I need a break,” or “I’m feeling off.”
You don’t have to be a mental health expert to make a difference. Sometimes showing up is enough. Sometimes creating space is everything.
Try this:
- Ask someone, “How are you really doing?”—and mean it.
- Let silence be okay while they find their words.
- Encourage boundaries and time off without guilt.
- Check in with the strong ones—they carry more than you think.
- Be vulnerable yourself. Talk about what you’re navigating.
If You’re Struggling Right Now
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or worn down, I hope you know this:
You are not weak.
You are not broken.
And you are absolutely not alone.
It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to need help. And it’s okay to talk about it.
Please reach out to someone—a trusted friend, a counselor, a mentor. There are people who care, and there are better days ahead.
A Final Thought
Mental health isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a human one. A community one. A leadership one.
Let’s be the kind of people who pay attention. Who create space. Who slow down long enough to see and support the people around us—including ourselves.
As May wraps up, my hope is that May Day isn’t just a one-time thing. I hope it becomes a mindset we carry into every month—a reminder to check in, breathe deep, and lead with heart.