Industry leaders on mental health challenges and how to approach them in the workplace

May 19, 2026 By LP Gas 0 Comments

What mental health challenges have you or people close to you faced, and how have you dealt with them? Additionally, how do you approach mental health in the workplace?

“Mental health is an issue that affects our industry and every industry, as well. I personally have had many conversations with employees about issues causing a strain on them mentally.”

– Dan Richardson, President & CEO, Conger LP Gas, Tifton, Georgia

Jaenicke

“Over the years, I have seen those around me deal with anxiety and mental issues ranging from PTSD to alcoholism to Alzheimer’s disease. Each person is somewhat unique in their experience. Usually, only professional help directed at their specific issues seems to bring relief. Anxiety in the propane workplace sometimes stems from the potential dangers of driving a hazmat vehicle and handling a potentially hazardous product. That anxiety affects some people more than others and can escalate to a mental disorder. Thorough safety training and regular training updates can help reduce or eliminate that type of anxiety for some. For others, a change in their career path is best.”

– Tom Jaenicke, Propane Specialist, ATomiK Creative Solutions, Charlevoix, Michigan

“If you fail to prioritize mental health, it will eventually catch up with you and could harm your overall health, relationships or career. Taking care of yourself and making time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Take your vacation days, use the resources available to you and set healthy boundaries. As the saying goes, if you don’t choose a time to rest, your body will choose one for you.”

– Jessica Johnson, Manager, Political Action Committee, National Propane Gas Association, Asheville, North Carolina

“First, there is the employer’s responsibility to recognize how stress – both internal and external – impacts employees’ mental well-being. … Second, there are personal challenges. We are all human, and life events – divorce, caring for a sick parent, challenges with children – create real mental strain. Leaders and organizations need to acknowledge this and create an environment where people feel supported during these periods. Third is burnout. This is something I believe many owners and executives experience. Burnout can lead to exhaustion, poor decision-making and broader mental health challenges.”

– Christina Armentano, Executive Vice President & COO, Paraco Gas, Rye Brook, New York

“Mental health is a topic in the safety world. … While it is important, it’s not something that’s in the mainstream in the propane industry at this second. It’s a subject that I would be interested in educating myself on.”

– Mike Walters, Vice President, Safety & Fleet, Superior Energy Systems, Columbia Station, Ohio

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