World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10 each year, is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support.
Interpreters face unique challenges, with 72.6% reporting experiences of vicarious trauma, according to a 2019 Nimdzi survey. The impact is profound—one in three interpreters has had to either leave the profession, take a prolonged leave, or avoid certain assignments due to the impact of vicarious trauma. At MasterWord, we recognize that to truly fulfill our mission of connecting people across languages and cultures, we must prioritize the well-being of our team. This World Mental Health Day, we’re honored to highlight our initiatives like the Wellness Challenge and the Wellness Connection, which foster a culture of care, support, and understanding for all our language professionals and staff.
Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, and further championed by the World Health Organization’s global campaigns since 2013, World Mental Health Day seeks to destigmatize mental health struggles and emphasize the need for accessible resources and compassionate care.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing, influencing how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. It affects our ability to cope with stress, maintain relationships, and perform daily tasks. Yet, for many, seeking help or speaking openly about mental health remains a challenge. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to break down these barriers and foster a culture where mental health is valued as much as physical health. Through initiatives like the Wellness Challenge and our broader Wellness Connection, we are creating a safe space for our global team to prioritize their mental health.
MasterWord's Vicarious Trauma-Informed Approach
MasterWord is a Vicarious Trauma-Informed Organization, reflecting our deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those in helping professions, including interpreters and translators. Vicarious trauma can occur when individuals are indirectly exposed to others’ trauma, leading to emotional and psychological impacts. Recognizing this, we have integrated practices and resources to support our team’s mental wellbeing, helping them navigate these challenges with resilience and care. This approach aligns closely with our commitment to mental health, ensuring that our language professionals have access to the support they need to continue delivering their vital services without compromising their own wellness.
Mental Health America recently shared 31 tips including well-known advice like:
- Take time to laugh—laughter helps reduce anxiety.
- Spend time with friends and family—social connections boost happiness.
They also include some lesser-known tips that you may want to try:
- Keep your bedroom cool for better sleep—60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal.
- Try coloring intricate designs to reduce anxiety.
- Yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness.
- Work omega-3 fatty acids into your diet—they may help reduce depression.
- Disconnect from your phone for a day to reduce stress.
For access to many more wellness resources, visit MasterWord’s Wellness Connection.
A 2019 Nimdzi survey revealed that 72.6% of interpreters experience vicarious trauma at some point in their careers
MasterWord's Wellness Challenge: Fostering a Culture of Care
This August, we launched the 31-day Wellness Challenge—a fun and engaging initiative aimed at encouraging our team to take small but impactful steps towards better mental and physical wellbeing. Each day of the challenge brought a new activity, from mindful breathing exercises to simple acts of kindness, reminding participants to pause, reflect, and find joy in daily moments. Employees shared their progress through photos every “Wellness Wednesday,” creating a sense of community and mutual support. With incentives like ClassPass credits, a Headspace membership, and wellness tools, we aimed to make this challenge a rewarding experience for all. It was not just about completing tasks but about building a habit of mindfulness and self-care that extends beyond the challenge itself. The Wellness Challenge was so successful, we’re doing it again in October!
The Wellness Connection: Your Resource for Ongoing Support
Beyond the Wellness Challenge, MasterWord’s Wellness Connection offers a comprehensive range of resources, training, and support aimed at enhancing the mental health of our team and our partners. Our online portal provides access to guided meditations, stress management workshops, and articles on maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Wellness Connection also includes tangible services such as weekly meditation classes, periodic in-office massage and chiropractic therapy, and employee access to professional help from a variety of councilors, therapists, legal and financial advisors, and psychologists through our Employee Assistance Program.
To access many of our Wellness Connection resources, visit MasterWord’s Wellness Connection page.
A Collective Effort for Lasting Change
MasterWord’s commitment to mental health extends beyond internal programs. We are part of a broader conversation about mental wellbeing, contributing to industry-wide discussions and collaborating with partners to advocate for better mental health support in the language services field. Our efforts are aligned with our broader social impact initiatives, as we strive to create a positive environment where every individual feels heard, respected, and valued.
Prioritizing Mental Health, Today and Every Day
As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, it’s important to remember that mental wellness is a shared responsibility. At MasterWord, we believe in the power of community and the importance of accessible, compassionate support. Our Vicarious Trauma-Informed approach, combined with the Wellness Challenge and Wellness Connection, are just a few examples of how we are working to make mental health a priority. We invite you to join us in this journey, not only on October 10 but every day, as we continue to support each other in achieving a balanced, healthy life.
For more information on our Wellness Connection and access to our resources, visit MasterWord’s Wellness Connection page. Let’s take this opportunity to renew our commitment to mental health and wellbeing, one mindful moment at a time.
