More Than Enough | A Message from the ASCPA Chair

According to the AICPA & CIMA, “Mental health influences one's ability to work productively and cope with the stresses of daily living. A healthy psychological state, the less observable inner world of your employees, is central to performance for a knowledge worker. Healthy employees are vital to the success of your firm, and their mental health cannot be ignored in the pursuit of goals. It's imperative that we learn how to tend to our state of mind. As we do, we will see an increasingly positive effect on job performance and firm success.” 

A 2017 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) study states, nearly 20% of adults lived with a mental illness and 7.1% of adults have had at least one major depressive episode. According to a recent Gusto article, mental health has not historically been prioritized with importance in the professional realm, especially in accounting and finance industries. As a taboo topic, it can be largely ignored, resulting in a lack of mental health awareness. This means that many people hold myths and misconceptions about mental health and are unable to truly tend to their wellbeing.   

Our professional career can be seen as a series of sprints. Our goal is to set a fast pace and produce accurate and insightful deliverables. We are financial leaders, trusted advisors and resourceful big thinkers; and it can be a lot to hold.  

According to Nick Wignall, founder of the Friendly Mind, “We often forget how much our environment still plays a role in our lives. And this is especially true when it comes to the impact our environment, or context, plays on our psychology.”  

As leaders in our profession, how can we help? 

Talk to colleagues or others who appear to be struggling. For guidance, visit ascpa.com/maywellness for resources.  

Promote a culture of openness. Foster a culture where it’s acceptable to ask for help. 

Learn about employer-assisted programs for counseling. Many employers offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) which provide free and confidential counseling. Broadcast this information openly at staff meetings and in employee newsletters.  

According to the Journal of Accountancy, “Embedded in a culture where mental health issues are not discussed, CPAs might assess the inherent risk of a stigma and not seek professional help – even though they can do so confidentially.” 

In closing, together we can break down barriers around mental health awareness and improve mental health care accessibility for all team members. Let’s remember the inherent value we each hold.  

Resources: 

Depression and the CPA - Journal of Accountancy 

Why Prioritizing Mental Health Is a MUST for Accountants | Gusto 

How CPAs and employers can support mental health - Journal of Accountancy 

PCPS mental health resources | Resources | AICPA & CIMA (aicpa-cima.com) 

5 Things About Depression Most People Don't Realize - Nick Wignall 

Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness