No matter what type of job you have, no worker is immune to the far-reaching and added stress of COVID-19 concerns and mandates.

The work place can be stressful during normal times, but add the pressures during these days of COVID concerns with added pressures such as health care, safety, and the so-called new norm and it could be enough to push even the most dedicated, stable worker over the top. Mental Health Association of South Mississippi Executive Director Kay Daneault said, “Everybody has a different view on whether the mask is helpful, all those different things, and so if you don’t necessarily agree with your co-workers, it’s okay, but let’s give them a little space so that they can keep themselves safe in the way they think it’s going to be best.”

Good advice for employees from Daneault, who has some helpful suggestions for employers. “Know what’s happening. If the employees feel kind of lost, not sure what the boss, or whoever, is going to do, then that makes for some anxiety, and sometimes that makes people think I don’t want to be here anymore, and that’s never good to do, so I do believe keeping that communication line open is one of the big things.”

The need for mental health services is at an all-time high and so is the need for funding. Everyone is invited to take part in tonight’s virtual fundraiser for the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi. “We mentioned the wine. We also have several different hotel stays from the different casinos. We have wellness baskets, artwork, just all kinds of things.”

Due to COVID, the in-person venue for the fundraiser was recently canceled, but this year’s honorees will be on hand during tonight’s livestream event starting at 7 p.m. Just head over to event.gives/DWBH to register for free and check it all out. You’ll have until 6 p.m. Sunday to bid on the silent auction items.