MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Prioritizing Mental Health: My Journey and AbelsonTaylor Group’s Commitment by J eremy V annatta
L ife’s journey has been an intricate balance of creativity, analytical rigor, and personal resilience. One of the most profound challenges I faced came in 2014 when my wife of 17 years was diagnosed with glioblastoma. It was a devastating moment for our family. I found myself juggling work, caring for her during her illness, and raising our three young children.
As a member of a rock band, I have found making music to be incredibly uplifting and restorative. Whether it’s playing a live show or rehearsing with the band, music allows me to create something new, channel my emotions, and stay grounded. It’s a creative outlet that has played a key role in my mental wellness. In my free time, I’m also deeply committed to giving back. I vol- unteer for several causes close to my heart, including Movember, which focuses on men’s health, in particular prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention; BirdieLight, an organi- zation dedicated to raising aware- ness about fentanyl overdoses; and working as a lumberjack removing invasive trees and building hiking trails. These efforts are a way for me to turn my experiences into action, build communities, and help others navigate their challenges. At AbelsonTaylor Group, I’ve become a vocal advocate for our Psychological Safety Initiative. This innovative program fosters a culture where employees feel accepted, valued, and empowered to share ideas without fear of judg- ment. Psychological safety isn’t just about fostering inno- vation; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. When we feel supported and respected, we’re better equipped to manage stress and prioritize our mental health. LEADING THE WAY IN MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Mental health is at the heart of AbelsonTaylor Group’s workplace culture. Our initiatives champion mindfulness and mental health practices, including: • Mental Health Awareness Month Programming Every May, we offer guest speakers, meditation ses- sions, webinars, and articles about recognizing and addressing crises. Activities like gratitude journaling, book clubs, and coloring breaks foster calm and community. • Psychological Safety Initiative This initiative, part of our DE&I program, helps teams work in inclusive, trusting environments. It’s not just about job satisfaction. It’s about creating space for peo- ple to thrive. In 2023, this program earned the Health- care Businesswomen’s Association’s ACE Aspire Award.
After her passing, I confronted the emotional challenges of grief, adjusting to life as a single father, and providing for my family while continuing to lead and develop my professional career. Through an incredibly difficult time, I still had to find ways to keep going, to show up for my kids, and to main- tain a career that could support us. But through it all, I learned how vital our mental health is and why it must be a priority in every aspect of life.
Jeremy Vannatta with his children (from L to R) Peyton, Connor, and Avery Vannatta.
That deeply personal experience reshaped my perspec- tive on resilience and self-care. It also strengthened my commitment to AbelsonTaylor Group’s mission to “Help the world choose better health.” A CAREER DEFINED BY ADAPTABILITY AND INNOVATION My professional journey began with a passion for story- telling. After earning a degree in English and Cinema Stud- ies from Colorado College, I started in the film industry. My path shifted dramatically, however, when I became a coder and data analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. From there, I developed analytical skills that I paired with an MBA from the University of Chicago. My market- ing career took off at TAP Pharmaceuticals, where I thrived on the challenges of launching new products and rebrand- ing initiatives. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on groundbreaking product launches and lead trans- formative business strategies. Despite the pressures of my personal life, I remained steadfast in my career, drawing on both creativity and ana- lytical skills to overcome obstacles. MENTAL HEALTH: A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PRIORITY Through everything, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the importance of mental health. Looking back, I credit much of my ability to persevere to prioritizing self-care and seeking support when I needed it. You can’t pour from an empty cup. I have to be able to be strong mentally before I can tend to others around me. I have to be able to met- aphorically put on my oxygen mask before putting them on my kids.
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6 THE EXCHANGE
MARCH 2025
www.HMExchange.com
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