My journey at Abri began two whole years ago. Recognised as a great place to work, I decided to join an organisation that values and cares about the wellbeing of their colleagues.
I love the company culture here, it’s easy to make friends and very much a ‘can-do’ attitude all-around, lifting spirits and presenting great challenges that are good for self-growth. Looking back now, I think joining the organisation was the right move for me. It was like a breath of fresh air after working in a pressurised environment that took a toll on my mental health.
Some days are good, some bad. The thoughts and feelings that we carry, can at times weigh us down, talking to someone about how you feel frees your mind, it’s all to do with neurons firing in our brain.
Giving back
The only way is up - I’ve received helpful health and wellbeing support in and out of work, the support that I received made me want to do my part to help others. A good way for me to give back was to become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) at work. I wanted to be a shoulder for people to cry on, helping people see the light at the end of the tunnel, so they feel less alone.
I was thrilled to become a MHFA, if I’m honest, the training I received was much more than what I expected. I learned how to recognise different mental illnesses and how best to approach them. Most people just need a safe and secure place to voice their concerns or challenges – and I can now support with that.
My training also taught me how to spot signs of potential depression and mental health challenges that someone may not be aware of. I know I’m not a qualified expert, but MHFAs at Abri are just simply here to empower people in need and to let them know that it’s ok to not be ok.
The momentum keeps you going
I’ve been approached by colleagues and I really admire their courage; it’s been a privilege to listen and hear about how they feel deep down. In a role like mine, it’s key to remember that everyone is different – one size doesn’t fit all. What seems manageable to one person can be stressful to another, so when colleagues bravely confide in me, I let them know how important it is for their voice to heard.
Sometimes I share my personal journey with people whose stories are similar to mine. I do this to let people know that their feelings and thoughts are commonly experienced by others too. I’m happy to share how I keep moving forward. It can be hard to stay optimistic during your hard times, patience is key and once you make your first move, your recovery journey gains momentum that keeps you going. In reality, there really is no quick fix, life can be tough for everyone, even more so during a global pandemic – so don’t be hard on yourself.
Helpful tips and tricks
I enjoy my role and see the value and great influence it has. I want to continue to do what I can to support the mental wellbeing of colleagues, I feel that by sharing my knowledge and experience I’m able make a positive difference.
My top three tips are:
1) Get outdoors – Vitamin D is a chemical mood lifter, and if you can’t always get outdoors, take it as a supplement if you feel you need it
2) Talk to people – don’t text, physically talk and don’t be scared to admit if you are feeling good or bad
3) Laugh as much as you can – this is an instant mood lifter even if you fake it at first
And after walking, talking, and laughing, a good read always helps. Here’s some literature that I found useful:
- How to be Human by Ruby Wax
- Reason to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
- The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters
These books gave me a better understanding of how my mind works. Now I know what makes me tick and what my triggers are, I now manage my stress and anxiety in a better way.
The biggest thing I learned, and my best advice, is I am what I am and that is fine. Be nice and kind and you get it back in spades.