To be honest I have changed my tune about mental health awareness days.
As we know, a certain date on the calendar is not the only day that we need to be aware, check in with one another and consider how are we really.
And even though I have these conversations daily, lets face it, its not always the most comfortable thing to address, yet we need it more than ever and this is an opportunity to open conversations even more.
I feel like we are bombarded with opinions, fear, perfectionism, hatred, expectations and it feels like the world is very edgy at the moment. I have seen the impact its all having and the segregation, loneliness, isolation and feeling misunderstood are felt deeply and are common themes in the conversations I have been having.
So lets embrace the breakfasts, cupcakes, the morning teas, the speakers, events and the time away from the desk to connect as humans. Not only to learn some pretty handy tips and tricks, and have timely reminders on how to look out for each other and seek help for ourselves but to celebrate our connections, see each other apart from the role position and spend time together.
Human connection is vital in our mental health maintenance, so on this World Suicide Prevention day (Sept 10), R U Okay Day (Sept 11) and during Mental Health Month (October) lets remember that these days are here to amplify the message for everyday and that the human experience means that mental health is a priority and not something that can be ignored anymore.
The pic is Anne Marie from Coonawarra Running Festival sharing her story recently at the Next Crop Leadership Program.
Other resources and events
Coonawarra Running Fesitval https://lnkd.in/gRuRVyM2
Suicide Prevention Day https://lnkd.in/gepswd7T
R U Okay Day resources https://lnkd.in/gUckFSYW
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Gala Dinner https://lnkd.in/g7aJhmGm
Blue Tree Project https://lnkd.in/gdqr5Wmc
I’ve changed my tune
