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Justin Battles

Assistant City Manager, Mustang, Oklahoma

ICMA Member Since 2016

Making an Impact on Mental Health

We were looking for mental health resources that could really have a direct impact straight to the individual, whether that be an employee or resident. ICMA promotes a mental health service called Cope Notes, which sends daily text messages, providing peer support and positive psychology directly to a user’s phone. It has generated some good conversation, specifically among staff. We often sit down at the lunch table and say, “Did you did you get that message today?” and really dive into the psychological aspects of our daily lives.

We all typically have the normal employee assistance program (EAP), but it’s often underutilized. We want to provide a service that folks will use. ICMA has done an excellent job showing us how to have that conversation in our community, how to take away the stigma, and that the well-being of our residents is of vast importance.

Advice for Other Communities

Mental health can seem like it’s not our responsibility, but ultimately, it is. It starts with one person at a time. Don’t be afraid to ask your peers for advice and look for resources in your community. I think you’ll be surprised at some of the resources that may be there. Whatever you choose to do, just begin the conversation and watch it build.

“I Realized I Wasn’t on an Island.”

Throughout your career, you hit these peaks and valleys. There were times I found myself in the middle of the pandemic just really in a depressive state, and I began to look at my why: “Why am I doing what I do?” Although it’s very rewarding, this is a difficult job. Throughout my journey of navigating these struggles, I began to find articles on the ICMA website that made me realize that I wasn’t on an island. I wasn’t the only one going through this. ICMA has provided me with so many resources and fantastic peer-to-peer contact. I’m very thankful for that.

Check out this video interview and other ICMA member spotlight videos here.