#mentalhealth #hugs #hugfivestrangers #tinyyellowflowers #sirjohnkirwan #allblacks
Hugs are magical in healing, out and about every illness. They are great for our mental health too. Sharing here my account on mental health awareness. (2 minutes read)
Just like any illness, mental health also needs attention. But we ignore it. Comfortably sweep it under the carpet. As a result, the menace of untreated mental health has existed forever but the good news is that in past few years the resolutions and storytelling around mental health have gained momentum.
Workplace mental health awareness initiatives are playing an instrumental role in addressing the issue. Organisations worldwide have recognized the importance the issue deserves and are doing some phenomenal work in this area. The outcomes are also absolutely impressive as we spend a lot of time in our work places.
My work places have also been amazing in managing the issue. The fabulous campaigns and initiatives they organised got the people talking and reaped instant results. The key here is – participation by everyone gives more power. It also inhibits hesitation and fear of being judged on telling your story because everyone is willing to help each other by sharing their stories.
It is heartening how a powerful symbiotic ecosystem emerges and people collectively are on their healing pathways. I have seen this happen, so I can say, it truly is courageous of people to share their stories and really wonderful on how it goes on to save many lives!
Creative and thoughtful in their approach to deal with mental health issues, some organisations deal with the issue head-on – they use eye catching wall posters that are placed strategically to reach maximum eye balls and do not leave you alone any single moment. They are everywhere, in the corridors, elevators, mirrors of the toilets etc. Other means to reach out have been – dedicated yammer groups, videos and inviting stalwarts in the area as speakers.
In one such event, I attended All Blacks legend, Sir John Kirwan’s session where he opened about his mental health journey. It was absolutely gold what he shared and I wanted the session to never end.
He cracked us up and yet delivered the most powerful and poignant messages. I managed to take some notes on my phone. I scroll through them often. Thought, I‘ll share with you all here:
It really is important to have that conversation, talk to each other, watch out for each other and have each other’s back.
Hope it was a useful read.
#mentalhealth #workplaces #globalcitizeninitiative #10October #worldmentalhealthday
Hugs are magical in healing, out and about every illness. They are great for our mental health too. Sharing here my account on mental health awareness. (2 minutes read)
Just like any illness, mental health also needs attention. But we ignore it. Comfortably sweep it under the carpet. As a result, the menace of untreated mental health has existed forever but the good news is that in past few years the resolutions and storytelling around mental health have gained momentum.
Workplace mental health awareness initiatives are playing an instrumental role in addressing the issue. Organisations worldwide have recognized the importance the issue deserves and are doing some phenomenal work in this area. The outcomes are also absolutely impressive as we spend a lot of time in our work places.
My work places have also been amazing in managing the issue. The fabulous campaigns and initiatives they organised got the people talking and reaped instant results. The key here is – participation by everyone gives more power. It also inhibits hesitation and fear of being judged on telling your story because everyone is willing to help each other by sharing their stories.
It is heartening how a powerful symbiotic ecosystem emerges and people collectively are on their healing pathways. I have seen this happen, so I can say, it truly is courageous of people to share their stories and really wonderful on how it goes on to save many lives!
Creative and thoughtful in their approach to deal with mental health issues, some organisations deal with the issue head-on – they use eye catching wall posters that are placed strategically to reach maximum eye balls and do not leave you alone any single moment. They are everywhere, in the corridors, elevators, mirrors of the toilets etc. Other means to reach out have been – dedicated yammer groups, videos and inviting stalwarts in the area as speakers.
In one such event, I attended All Blacks legend, Sir John Kirwan’s session where he opened about his mental health journey. It was absolutely gold what he shared and I wanted the session to never end.
He cracked us up and yet delivered the most powerful and poignant messages. I managed to take some notes on my phone. I scroll through them often. Thought, I‘ll share with you all here:
- Why hurry? Walk like a Fijian, he advised. (For my friends outside NZ, he meant a relaxed gait / sauntering )
- Look at the birds on the tree. Feel the shower. Don’t be like a kiwi – Buy coffee and run away (he enacted this and we laughed our heart out)
- Don’t stand up when the airplane stops. You are on a holiday for god sake!
- Do you realise that more than anyone it is your phone that talks to you most. It says ‘pick me up’. But you should reply – ‘no I won’t, I am enjoying my coffee’ and that’s how you win!
- Dance at work place – When was the last time you danced at work? Unanimous answer was – never danced at work place. He instantly made us stand up and dance on a fast pace entertaining tune.
- Hug five strangers – The highlight was when he made us stand up again and announced – Hug five people you don’t know. It gave rise to a myriad hysterical reactions. I am not doing this! This is madness! I am not in it! I am leaving! But everyone stayed back and hugged! Some were smooth hugs, some were hesitant hugs but smiles that flashed thereafter were 100% warm and affectionate.
- Free hugs videos on youtube – He ended the session saying – We can’t put mental health in a cupboard. Emotions should shine (go watch the free hugs video | he played that for us)
- Selfies vs Hugs – Always go for hugs. He recommended. How apt, you would have to agree.
- List at least four things you do every day for your mental space: Mine are as following. I look for laughter. I do walk like a Fijian. I look for squirrels and birds and those tiny wild yellow flowers on the bed of green grass, I wake up morning and have my time, I fold my hands and say my prayers, I fill my water glass in office and walk the longest way.
It really is important to have that conversation, talk to each other, watch out for each other and have each other’s back.
Hope it was a useful read.
#mentalhealth #workplaces #globalcitizeninitiative #10October #worldmentalhealthday
