Mental Health Seminar for SNS and PR Professionals
On June 16, 2025, Senior Job Inc. and Occulabo Co., Ltd. jointly hosted an enlightening seminar focused on the mental health challenges faced by social media (SNS) and public relations (PR) professionals. The seminar, titled "Mental Health Seminar for SNS and PR Professionals: Strategies to Cope with Online Crisis," aimed to equip attendees with necessary strategies to handle and mitigate the effects of online crises or "炎上" (enjo), a common Japanese term for online backlash.
The seminar was conducted by Hiroshi Morishima, the CEO and Chief Well-being Officer of Occulabo, who is also a specialist in occupational therapy. Accompanying him was Mamoru Abiko, the PR Director from Senior Job, who facilitated the discussion based on the practical experiences of those in the field. The event was attended online and offline, attracting nine participants eager to discuss mental health in the context of their work.
Focus on Mental Health Issues Related to Online Crisis
The motivation behind the seminar was rooted in the increasing reports of mental health struggles among SNS and PR professionals resulting from recent corporate crises on social media platforms. It has become evident that burnout and stress levels are on the rise for those tasked with managing their company's online presence. Recognizing this growing concern, the two companies decided to address it head-on with a focused seminar.
Morishima outlined the mechanics of burnout and offered insights on preventative strategies, engaging with attendees who raised pertinent questions about mental health care and addressing the challenges posed by online environments.
Seminar Topics and Approaches
The seminar specifically turned its focus on how to avert mental health deterioration during crises, instead of solely discussing ways to prevent the crises themselves. The dialogue encouraged participants to share experiences and contemplate practical solutions. For instance, one major takeaway was the importance of sharing feelings and challenges with colleagues to avoid isolation. Participants were also urged to recognize when they are part of an echo chamber online, encouraging mindfulness to step back and regain perspective.
A social gathering post-seminar saw heightened discussions about a broader range of PR activities beyond SNS communications, illustrating the interconnectedness of mental well-being and public relations.
Speaker Insights
In Morishima's comments after the event, he expressed the need to intertwine corporate communications with mental health considerations. He noted a lack of awareness about how corporate crises directly impact the mental health of their SNS managers until they delved deeply into the topic.
Though many crises can be traced back to errors made by the institution or individuals, the fallout can often result in debilitating stress levels that exceed what the issue warrants. The seminar emphasized that the resulting damage is not just corporate brand degradation but can affect the mental health and well-being of those handling the situation.
Hiroshi stressed that they do not currently offer specific mental health services tailored to SNS or PR roles. However, they do provide general mental health services aimed at individuals seeking to analyze their mental and physical states and improve their work-life balance.
Participant Feedback
One PR professional commented on how attending the seminar allowed them to realize similar issues occur outside of just social media. They felt empowered to confront these challenges with newfound knowledge and techniques.
About Occulabo
Occulabo Co., Ltd., led by Morishima, focuses on offering occupational therapy services that support both capital management and consultation outsourcing.
About Senior Job
Senior Job Inc., helmed by Yasue Nakajima, specializes in providing job placement services targeting individuals aged 50 and older. They aim to bridge the employment gap experienced by this demographic in Japanese society.
For further insights or information about the behavior of companies managing SNS crises, feel free to reach out to the respective PR departments for materials or inquiries.
This seminar showcases the importance of addressing the mental health of those navigating the pressures of modern corporate communication, a necessity in our increasing reliance on social platforms in professional spheres.