Challenging stigma: Mental health and the transformative power of technology
Each May, Microsoft marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is ‘Be Kind to your Mind’. We talk to three courageous Microsoft colleagues about their experiences with anxiety and how they deal with it, through openness, allyship and helpful technology.
According to mental health charity Mind UK, 1-in-4 people will experience a mental health challenge of some kind each year in the UK, yet only a third will get any help.
More than half say this is because of the stigma associated with admitting to poor mental health.
This feature attempts to challenge that stigma.
Clare Brown: From Burnout to Empowerment
Industrial Sector Lead, Clare Brown, has faced battles with anxiety and ADHD. Her journey began with what she thought was high-functioning anxiety, but it wasn’t until her daughters were diagnosed with ADHD that she realised she too had the condition. This revelation led her to seek therapy and coaching, which she credits with saving her life.
Clare’s turning point came during a period of high stress while working in a difficult environment before she joined Microsoft.
“I was operating in a really toxic culture, working 20-hour days, and I was miserable,” she recalls.
A family intervention made her realise she needed to make a change.
“I thought I’d reached the pinnacle of my career, but I just wasn’t happy,” she says.
At this point, Clare left her high-powered role and took a step back to focus on her values and purpose.
Setting boundaries
Through therapy, coaching, and practices like journaling and ‘box breathing’, Clare found her way back to herself.
“I practised and practised and started doing things that I love,” she says.
She also emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and having a routine to manage anxiety.
“I have a very set end-of-work routine where I box breathe, journal, and visualise the best version of myself,” she explains.
When feeling overwhelmed, Clare cites technology such as mobile gaming as a source of comfort in managing her anxiety.
“The way I cope with overwhelm is to go on my phone and play a game. It focuses my mind and calms me down, but in a previous role I was told off for not focusing,” she says.
Attitudes are different at Microsoft, she says. In a poignant moment of allyship, her colleague, Steve Chawner, noticed her playing games on her phone during a stressful event.
“Steve leaned over and asked, ‘Is that helping you feel better?’ It was the kindest, most empathetic comment that put me at ease,” she says.
Flora Rowe: Thriving with Anxiety
Flora, a Client Solutions Manager in Microsoft Advertising, has lived with anxiety for most of her life. Her journey began in her early teen years, and she describes it as a series of functioning and non-functioning periods.
“In my early teen years, I was definitely in the non-functioning part where socialising and doing normal things was really challenging,” she shares.
As Flora grew older, she learned coping mechanisms and received support that helped her manage anxiety better, believing that anxiety has shaped her into a more empathetic and understanding person.
“Anxiety has made me consider how other people feel and think about how we can be more inclusive,” she explains.
“Sometimes just having a day with notifications off can be incredibly helpful“
“Without doubt, therapy has been the most useful thing for managing anxiety,” but she also finds mindfulness practices and regularity helpful, she says.
“Making sure I have a good routine and healthy outlets for my anxiety, like running or going to a gallery, is really important.”
Technology has also played a crucial supporting role in Flora’s journey. She uses Headspace (an app available for free to Microsoft employees) every day and appreciates the flexibility within Teams to manage notifications.
“Sometimes just having a day with notifications off can be incredibly helpful,” she says.
And while “social media can be anxiety-inducing,” she says, “it has also been so helpful finding communities and people to share tips with.”
Faith la Grange: Creating Safe Spaces
Faith La Grange, the Area Consulting Lead for the UK at Microsoft, has a profound understanding of mental health, having trained as a counsellor and psychotherapist.
Her journey began with a desire to support others, both in her personal life and at work.
“It gave me a really clear view and understanding of what people are going through when they’re struggling with mental health issues,” she says.
Faith emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can express their vulnerabilities without fear of judgment.
“For me, it all starts with being a safe space for somebody to come and show their vulnerability and talk about the things that are really concerning them,” she explains.
This approach makes her a trusted confidant and ally, both at work and in her personal life, she feels.
‘To Do’ list anxiety
Faith also highlights the role of technology in managing anxiety, particularly as a reminder tool.
“Breathing is amazing. To be able to just sit and do a box-breathing exercise to centre yourself is brilliant,” she says.
“I wear a watch that reminds me to do them. It can be helpful when, in the moment, you’re too hyped up to be able to really think about how you how you calm yourself down.”
“Using Copilot to prepare and prioritise can help people manage some of the overwhelming anxiety they feel“
Additionally, Faith mentions how Microsoft’s Copilot feature has transformative power in reducing anxiety by helping people prepare for meetings and manage overwhelming tasks.
“I remember during a manager session we had someone discuss using Copilot to prepare, whether it’s for an anxiety-inducing meeting or prioritising your inbox when returning from holiday” she recalls.
“It can feel like the to-do list is insurmountable, but using Copilot to prepare and prioritise can help people manage some of the overwhelming anxiety they feel.”
Allyship and technology
Ellie Jeffries, Nuffield Health’s Wellbeing Manager who has spearheaded mental health awareness campaigns for Microsoft, says: “The stories of Faith, Clare, and Flora serve to remind us of the importance of allyship and creating safe spaces.
“By being open about their mental health journeys and how they support others, and have been supported themselves, they foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help and be their authentic selves.
“Their resilience, supported by the power of technology, reminds us that we are not alone in our mental health journeys. Together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive world.”