Global WellWithin Leader opens up about journey through anxiety and trauma
Her father’s alcoholism and her mom’s silent endurance provide the backdrop of Michele Clark’s childhood.
“We were taught that what happens in our house stays in our house,” she recalls. Despite the turmoil, Michele learned to mask her pain with a smile.
Her father eventually sought help, transforming into a supportive figure. “The respect I have for my dad now is more than I can ever say,” Michele shares. Yet, her own struggles were set in motion. That mask followed Michele, Global WellWithin Leader, for many years.
As a young wife and in her early career, Michele faced a heartbreaking miscarriage and was diagnosed with depression.
“I had employees counting on me to get healthy,” she says. Even though she was hurting inside, Michele showed up to work cheerful. The only sign to show something major had happened was a new necklace she wore to remember her baby. The mask was up but Michele was slowly cultivating resilience.
A few years later, work stress unveiled her anxiety. Michele, a perfectionist by nature, found it hard to accept her condition. “I didn’t want to believe I had anxiety as badly as I did,” she admits. After numerous tests, she finally made peace with it and took action.
Michele now identifies as someone with high-functioning anxiety. “It’s like a duck on water, underneath its legs are going like crazy,” she says. She copes through medication, journaling, therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and faith.
Today, Michele encourages others to share their experiences.
“We have to allow people a space to bring their authentic self to work,” she insists. “No masks.” She believes in fostering understanding and compassion, making the workplace a safe space for those grappling with their own hidden struggles.
Do you have a story about your mental health that could help others? Share it here.
View the entire Mental Health Matters month lineup of activities!
How is GE Appliances helping with mental health?
- Working with CareATC and Anthem to offer counseling in person and online
- Training all managers about trauma
- Inviting employees to learn more about mental health
- Offering benefits to help with things like addiction, diabetes, and money education
- Keeping the conversation about mental health going with our Mental Health Matters series
- Expanding ON-THE-CLOCK care to include mental health visits