Silence about the things that matter never makes anything better. #mentalhealthAWARENESS
REAL MODEL + REAL TALK is on the agenda today. In every project I take on, professionally and personally, I aim to always curate safe spaces where inclusion is expanded into every aspect of being human. I do so by employing emotional intelligence as a real model in my methods to build products or services that steer towards a better future - just as I do with sustainability, and equity. Innately I am empathetic and always use my ability to relate to others emotions to better understand them and their needs. I've always done this the with my peers, with managers, teams, clients, those I've managed or mentored, friends, and loved ones. The skills are transferable so I expanded the same tactics into my work.
Conversations are taking place Canada-wide about mental health through #bellletstalk today and I'm here for it. It's an ongoing conversation in my world. I keep this top of mind and at the centre of my awareness every day. No one should have to struggle alone or feel isolated. Depression, anxiety, and traumas can cause us to feel detached from reality. They have a way of grabbing a hold of one's sense of connection to themselves and the people around them. This past year has brought the reality of mental health into the awareness of everyone like never before. Let’s show more compassion to one another, build trust and support systems that work to heal rather than threaten, criticize or shame, and provide safe spaces in which we can share our experiences.
It isn’t enough to just practice being “mindful” based on the instructions in a book and thinking that what works for one person will work for another. Although they are great tools to use in improving our awareness and the management of rehabilitation, the very crucial human component missing in them is emotion and relatability. This is the first step. Mental health issues manifest in many different forms and may look different from person to person. Emotional intelligence is one of the the most important skills to employ in the areas of mental health support, as it is the first step to removing bias from the conversations we're having. Removing the need to justify or apply pressure around what someone is going through or how long they are going through it for is like lifting a weight off their shoulders. Listening is important too, but relatability goes a lot further and affirms that we are not alone in our struggles. Feeling like we are understood or that we at least have the space to be ourselves regardless of how it looks on any particular day is incredibly powerful. There is no timeline on how long it takes to feel better, nor is there a need to have to explain that you need time. The support we must continue to provide one another with is the space to feel and a place to feel safe in - where judgement is replaced with empathy.
"Everyone is fighting battles we don't see or hear about."
Today is a reminder that it's ok to not feel ok - it does not make you any less capable of achieving your goals, or being loved. Those who truly care about and support you will show you through their consistent actions. Mental health matters more than ever these days and is the foundation we need to constantly work at reinforcing. I want you to know that you are not alone. I’m not alone. We’re here for each other. It’s normal to have feelings you cannot explain or get over in a day or two. We have to work hard to put healthy boundaries in place without isolating our ability to have successful relationships, but it can all be done. I want you to know that you are so strong for being able to talk about it transparently and take the steps to admit to yourself, your family, and friends when you are not feeling your best. It takes tons of strength to do that! In our vulnerabilities lie a lot of opportunities to grow and develop further. Let's keep talking. Let's keep understanding. Let's keep sharing. Let's keep creating. Let's keep elevating the experiences we're all having. We will overcome these battles together.
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