Mental health challenges transcend industry boundaries, impacting individuals regardless of their profession. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people will grapple with a mental health condition at some stage. However, within the realm of PR and communications, where success relies on rapid decision-making, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to client goals, the topic of mental well-being emerges as a pressing and ongoing issue.

PR professionals are the architects of modern storytelling and brand elevation. Yet, mental well-being can easily be overlooked amidst the whirlwind of deadlines and stakeholder demands. In this blog, we examine the nuances of mental health in PR, shedding light on challenges and strategies for cultivating a culture of well-being.

Factors within PR that negatively impact mental well-being:

• Always-On Culture: The relentless 24/7 news cycle and digital demands foster an environment of constant connectivity, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. This pervasive connectivity makes disconnecting a daunting task, which can culminate in burnout and fatigue.
• High-Pressure Environment: With tight journalist deadlines, the immediacy of social media, managing client expectations, and handling unexpected crisis issues, PRs can be subjected to intense pressure through multi-tasking and regular prioritisation of tasks, resulting in heightened stress levels.
• Emotional Labour: PR professionals manage their emotions and can also manage their stakeholders’ emotions, especially if they are working on the agency side.  For example, PRs often have to suffer the brunt of the frustration of others when a piece in the media has taken a negative slant or when in crisis mode.
• Lack of total control over outcomes: PRs are often held accountable for outcomes that are beyond their control, such as the inclusion of key messages in articles. Reporting to a non-PR boss is particularly stressful as they often do not understand the many variables behind securing media coverage and expect PRs to control journalistic output, which is unrealistic. 
• Information Overload: The incessant barrage of news, social media updates, and information overload can be overwhelming, leading to some struggling to maintain focus.

Concerning Trends in the Industry Data:

Studies by industry bodies like the CIPR and PRCA paint a concerning picture:

• The PRCA’s “Opening the Conversation: Mental Wellbeing in Public Relations” report (2019) revealed that 60% of PR and communications professionals have experienced mental ill-health, with 31% finding their jobs very stressful.
• A CIPR survey (2022) found that 57% of PR professionals felt stressed in the past year, with 33% experiencing anxiety.
• Ragan Communications’ “The State of Workplace Wellness and Employee Experience 2023” report highlights that 84% of employees consider mental health support crucial, emphasizing the industry-wide need for intervention.

Exploring the Manifestations of Mental Health Challenges

Anxiety: When anxiety is at a level which causes work paralysis and dread, it is time to seek help.

Burnout: When your energy levels are consistently low, and fatigue has set in, it is time to recuperate. 

Imposter syndrome: Doubts about competence and a fear of failure can weigh heavily. Take to someone you trust as many more suffer from imposter syndrome than you may think.

Work-life issues: The blurring of lines between work and personal life can be a sign to set boundaries between work and life.

Strategies for Enhancing Well-Being

Individuals and organisations alike can take proactive measures to tackle these hurdles:

For Individuals:

• Establish boundaries: Define clear lines between work and personal life, scheduling regular breaks and communicating availability.
• Prioritise self-care: Engage in activities that foster relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies.
• Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a therapist for guidance and assistance.
• Advocate for change: Speak out against workplace stressors and advocate for enhanced mental health resources and support.

For organisations:

• Cultivate a well-being culture: Foster an environment that values mental health through flexible work options, a mental health policy, and awareness programs.
• Practical support such as mental health workshops and accessible resources such as mental health helplines.
• Paid support via subscriptions to meditation apps like Headspace and Calm.
• Yoga and breathwork sessions for the team.

• Foster healthy communication through training line managers to spot the signs of struggling team members and support them with the HR team.
• Build resilience within the team by building trust and fostering a supportive culture. 
• Champion diversity and inclusion: Create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of background or identity.”

In the world of PR, rapid change is the norm, with the emergence of generative AI poised to accelerate this evolution further. Success in PR hinges on self-awareness; while some thrive, others face burnout. 

The industry’s pace and demands vary based on factors such as agency vs. freelance vs. in-house roles, sector, and organisational culture. 

Mental health is not a luxury; it is a necessity to thrive. Therefore, the old adage of ‘know thyself’ applies when choosing whether the PR industry is right for you.  My advice to aspiring PR professionals? Explore different roles, sectors, and cultures to find where you truly thrive. And remember, aligning with a team that shares your values is key to finding fulfilment in your career journey.

Curzon PR is a London-based PR firm working with clients globally. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Business Development Team [email protected]