PART II
Last week, we shared Blue Yonder’s Time to Talk program information. Our Time to Talk representatives share their stories of what mental health first aid means to them this week. These individuals state their reasons for contributing to a balanced lifestyle, with resources available to those wishing to improve their wellness and well-being.
Simon, Australia – APAC:
What motivated you to apply to be a Time to Talk representative?
Mental health is one of THE most important health issues affecting people’s lives, both at home and at work. It’s very taboo to talk about and address publicly until very recently – most people are still concerned about raising issues they may have. I have personal experience with depression, family with anxiety, and friends that have attempted suicide – I wanted to do what I could to help.
What has been your favorite aspect of being a representative?
Having people reach out to me – trusting in me – and then being able to go on and help them. The training was also good.
Do you have any tips for people looking to improve their own Mental Health?
There’s no silver bullet, but try and balance your life. Work is not life: life is not work. Get outside. Walk. Be in nature. Even a 10-minute walk around the block, especially if it can be in a park, can help. And talk to someone – find someone to talk to – doesn’t matter who, but don’t bottle things up and soldier on.
Robert, Spain – EMEA:
What motivated you to apply to be a Time to Talk rep?
The subject of mental health is extremely close to me, as I believe that every one of us has gone through different challenges in our lives; still, some people might hold this experience inside them. The support from the community or my friends often helped me not to keep those experiences inside of me. Those experiences motivated me to help create such a community in our company. I believe that selfless initiatives motivated by a common good cause give a lot of satisfaction and good energy.
What has been your favorite aspect of being a representative?
My favorite part of being a representative is taking part in EMEA Time to Talk calls because this is the moment when we move from theory to practice. It is very challenging to participate in discussions with so many participants while discussing difficult topics in a public forum. That is why it is important to encourage conversation and create a friendly space where everyone feels comfortable speaking. Then we will be able to say that we are living in a community. For me, there is nothing more both motivating and rewarding than when you manage to encourage even one person to share their point of view.
Do you have any tips for people looking to improve their own mental health?
The basis for taking care of my mental health is putting myself first. It may sound selfish, but if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t care for others. The second thing is self-awareness of the things around us that negatively and positively affect our well-being. We must take care of the balance between these two spheres. Meditation, walking, and sports can help maintain balance. Nevertheless, we must know the limits of the negative aspects that we can handle in our lives; otherwise, it is worth considering how to fix them or cut them off.
Kranthi, India:
What motivated you to apply to be a Time to Talk rep?
All of us have our vulnerabilities and deal with them differently. However, at times, when things bubble, we struggle within ourselves. At the workplace, it becomes even more stressful as we become submissive. People begin to shun themselves – for the very reason that – they could look weak. I believe it is important to make them feel okay to be not okay – let them know you have someone you could reach out to and who would listen to you non-judgmentally.
In today’s digital world, many have lost the aspect of self-reflection. With empathy being my core strength, I find that I can really sense people and read their body language to help them feel reassured or face their challenges. If I can impart the art of self-reflection, I feel I have contributed to others’ well-being.
What has been your favorite aspect of being a representative?
There are several things for me: 1) to be able to listen empathically, 2) to comfort one another so that we can make it a lot easier,3) to be able to let everyone appreciate their gifts more than ever, 4) to create a truly inclusive environment for everyone, and 5) lastly but most importantly, to empower and allow everyone to live to their true potential.
Do you have any tips for people looking to improve their own mental health?
It all begins with acknowledging the situation and not painting a bad picture of yourself. Those with mental health conditions inadvertently tend to put themselves down at times. I cannot stress enough the saying, “It is okay to be not okay.” However, it is also essential to recognize that being in that phase for more than a stipulated time leads to chronic suffering. When you find someone suffering, please try to look for someone who can assist them in getting the care they need. Nature is the best healer. However, some may need more care from a professional. So, it is best to consider relaxation therapy under the guidance of a General Psychologist for appropriate treatment. Finally, I believe gratitude is a great magical tool, which, if practiced both by the coach and the person who is suffering, can help the person appreciate life magnificently.
Richa, North America:
What motivated you to apply to be a Time to Talk rep?
Life is like a rollercoaster, and everyone faces adversity at some point in their lives. It matters not the hardship but how we face them. I found great comfort in those times when someone would simply listen to me and provide reassurance that it would eventually pass. During those times, I also realized that I needed first to go inside and take care of myself before fixing the circumstances outside. I started practicing meditation, which helped me restore calm and inner peace. I also prioritized my physical health and made exercise part of my daily routine. Exercise can improve your physical health and physique, but that’s not what motivates most people to stay active. People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, and feel more positive about themselves. And it’s also powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges. My motivation to join the Time to Talk team is to share my above experiences with my co-workers and help them in any way I can.
What has been your favorite aspect of being a representative?
My favorite aspect of being a representative is seeing the positive outcome in my co-workers’ life as I work with them and help them build confidence in what they are doing. I share my learnings and experiences, so they feel the connection and are open to working with me. I enjoy learning from them, and one of the best ways to motivate them is to set a good example.
Do you have any tips for people looking to improve their own mental health?
I firmly believe that the journey to healthy mental health starts with taking care of your physical self. My first task is to stay active, go for a regular run or walk, connect with nature, and that will, in turn, bring positivity to our minds. Second, ask is to eat a healthy diet. A healthy, well–balanced diet can help us think more clearly and feel more alert. As we take care of our physical well-being, we must try to practice meditation. Start our day with 10 minutes of breathing exercises to improve focus and concentration and lower stress and anxiety levels. I have personally benefitted from meditation to clear my thoughts and reduce anxiety. As we are doing our bit to improve our mental health, we must find a confidante we can talk to and discuss our problems. That could be our partner, friend, co-worker, or parent who listens to us and provides guidance.
