May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to supporting mental well-being while promoting advocacy, policy, and innovation in mental health care. Established by Mental Health America (MHA) in 1949, this annual observance has been instrumental in fostering awareness and support for mental wellness. This year’s theme, ‘Turn Awareness Into Action,’ encourages us to go beyond acknowledgement and take tangible, meaningful steps toward improving mental health care.
The medical device and biopharma industries have made incredible strides in advancing mental health treatment and awareness, including groundbreaking innovations such as:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive intervention offering an effective alternative for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain, TMS helps improve symptoms without the side effects often associated with antidepressants. Initially approved in 2008, indications have expanded in recent years amplifying the potential therapeutic impact.
- ZURZUVAE: The first and only FDA-approved oral treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). ZURZUVAE is a 14-day course of treatment that provides mothers suffering from PPD rapid relief. In 2024, it earned the PM360 Trailblazer Award for Product Launch of the Year for its transformative launch in PPD.
- EXXUA (Gepirone ER): A recently FDA-approved medication for major depressive disorder (MDD) which works differently than most traditional antidepressants. Unlike SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels by preventing its reuptake, Exxua directly stimulates serotonin receptors to help regulate mood and emotional well-being.
Despite these advancements, millions continue to face barriers to mental health care. According to a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN on mental health in America, one-third of the 2,004 respondents reported they could not receive needed mental health services, with 80% citing cost and more than 60% pointing to stigma as primary obstacles. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of taking action to reduce stigma and close the mental health care equity gap. Addressing these stark realities demands more than awareness – it calls for tangible, meaningful action, and the workplace is a critical starting point for driving that change.
At Asymmetry, mental well-being is central to our culture, and we believe thoughtful work-life balance is key to feeling empowered both professionally and personally. Our dedicated BALANCE initiative emphasizes wellness support through connection-focused activities, open communication forums, and other valuable firm engagements. By creating space and open conversations on these topics, we work together to eliminate stigma and equip our team with the resources to thrive in and out of work.
To kick off Mental Health Awareness month, we hosted a BALANCE fireside chat on work-life integration, which sparked meaningful conversations around four key themes:
- Intentional Decision-Making: Achieving work-life balance requires thoughtful choices about priorities, recognizing which commitments are non-negotiable and which are more flexible.
- Communication is Key: Openly discussing your boundaries and needs with your team fosters a supportive work environment. Seek out managers and mentors you trust, where vulnerability is met with understanding.
- Finding Fulfillment: Take time to reflect on what makes your work life meaningful and exciting and explore ways to cultivate those elements.
- Grant Yourself Grace: Practice self-compassion and embrace the peaks and valleys of life, acknowledging that uncertainty is a natural part of growth.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we should not only recognize the importance of mental well-being but actively contribute to improving mental health care through open dialogue and innovation. Together, we can create supportive spaces and break the stigma.