WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: VICTOR ARMSTRONG
HEY VICTOR, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
Director of NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
Yes
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
Stress in meeting budget demands and deadlines. Constant requests from community stakeholders, legislators, etc. balanced with the demands of being a provider for my family and the pressure of being a Black man in America.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
I recognized early in my career that the demands of home and career can create undo stress.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Daily exercise, meditation, checking in with myself to manage my own expectations. Daily social media posts and efforts to uplift others.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
My work requires mental and emotional balance. I have to be able to manage others while meeting my own work demands. In addition, it is a high profile position that can be highly stressful.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
For me, Eustress is being strong mentally, physically, mentally and emotionally. It is knowing that I have control of all that really matters in my life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
Do what you love and be true to who you are.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU'RE UP TO?
My mantra is that not only am I my brother’s keeper, I am my brother.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
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