Mental Health concerns are a big issue with people working remotely. Michele Jones goes through ways to help combat depression and anxiety while working remotely.

1. How to tame the
Demons In the Closet
WordCamp Grand Rapids 2019
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

2. Michele Butcher-Jones
Support Accounts Lead and
Community Manager at
Thrive Digital Agency
The WP Crowd
Member
Lead Organizer
Southern IL WP
Beginners WP
Instructor
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

3. Disclaimer
I am in no way a medical professional. If you feel you need professional
help, please seek help. Ideas expressed in this talk are opinion based.
Oh and there will
be lots of cat memes!
Because cats make
people happy
@michele_butcher
mlb.pw/stl2017

4. A day in the life of a
remote worker
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5. How society thinks we work
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6. How our day typically goes
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7. Benefits of working
remotely
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8. We work wherever there is
WiFi and coffee
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9. We can have our music or movies on
without any co-workers complaining
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10. Because pants are optional
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11. The demon in the
closet no one wants
to talk about.
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12. Mental Illness
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13. Depression is one of the
#1 Health Concerns of
Remote Workers
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14. Burnout is a real
thing
Anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anger, irritability, health
issues like indigestion and headaches), lack of motivation, decreased job
performance, loss of focus and forgetfulness can all be signs of burnout.
@michele_butcher
mlb.pw/stl2017

15. Work Anxiety
Am I good enough?
Will they fire me for this one mistake?
I am not coding fast enough.
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16. Ways to stay happy and sane.
Well semi-sane for some of us.
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17. Leave work at work
It will be there when you get back I promise
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18. Relax
Life does not have to be at the
speed of light all the time.
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19. Change your routine
Work someplace new, go out to lunch, take a walk
break, take a 20 minute nap sometimes.
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20. Talk to people
Take advantage of social media platforms.
Slack, Facebook, Twitter, and other chats can help you feel connected
while working alone.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

21. Do something fun
And make it something that does not involve a
screen
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22. Don’t forget about you
Be deliberate on taking care of yourself. Eat healthy, keep
up with hygiene, and stay clear of bad health habits.
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23. Get Physical
Boosting the heart rate makes endorphins and
endorphins make you happy
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24. Talk about it
You might feel alone but you are never alone. There
is always someone willing to listen.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

25. Get help
If you ever feel sducidal, just can’t take it anymore, or
wanting to hurt yourself or others, seek professional help.
@michele_butcher mlb.pw/stl2017

26. Be a friend
If you see someone who seems like they are having
a bad day, be a friend to them.
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27. Kick the stigma
Mental Health can affect everyone.
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28. Raise Awareness
Don’t be afraid to share your story and share
information.
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29. Questions?
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