Supporting designers in mental health

Maintaining good mental health is important for everyone and after a nice Christmas and New Year break, people are generally refreshed and looking forward to the year ahead.  However, keeping a good mental health balance can be challenging for people working in a high-stress environment like a design agency. Multiple projects, deadlines etc can be a weight on people which affect them personally and professionally.

We very much have an open and honest culture and Bunker Creative, we love our staff and our focus is to ensure they are safe, happy and engaged with the projects they work on.

Over the years, we have incorporated a few strategies that help establish and maintain a good mental health foundation in a design agency, of course there are others and some may or may not work as it’s a very personal thing, but here are 5 that we found really helped our team on a business and personal level:

  1. Practice self-care: Make sure you are taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.
  2. Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries with your work to ensure that you have time for yourself and your personal life. Make sure you have clear expectations with your colleagues and clients about when you are available and when you are not.
  3. Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Step away from your computer, go for a walk, or do something else that allows you to relax and decompress.
  4. Communicate with others: Don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues, manager, or a mental health professional if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It’s important to have a support system that you can turn to when you need it.
  5. Seek help when needed: If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to seek help. This could be in the form of therapy, medication, or other types of treatment. It’s important to get the support you need to manage your mental health and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Mental health can mean so many things to so many people, but it mainly refers to a person’s overall psychological well-being. It includes the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves, as well as their ability to cope with the ups and downs of life. Good mental health is characterised by the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively, and to make positive contributions to one’s community and society.


Some common indicators of good mental health include:

  • Positive self-esteem and self-worth
  • The ability to form and maintain healthy relationships
  • The ability to cope with stress and adapt to change
  • The ability to set and achieve goals
  • The ability to feel and express a range of emotions in a healthy way
  • The ability to think clearly and make sound decisions


On the other hand, poor mental health can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance abuse disorders

Everyone’s mental health is there own and if you are struggling, please reach out, talk things through with someone as that’s always the start to a brighter day.