Shifting your response to feeling "off centre": My reflections on mental health awareness week

Sunday marked the last day of #mentalhealthawarenessweek2023, so I took some time to reflect on the purpose of this week and this year's theme of anxiety. Here are some of my main points:

1. We all have mental health - being “off baseline”/ "off-centre" is a normal part of our experience, the human experience. So for me, it's not the fact that I have these moments that I find important but what I do in those moments - how I respond (or react).

2. Back in the day, when we were fighting sabre-toothed tigers, we needed this reactionary part of our system to be on high alert to keep us from this imminent danger.... but this didn't happen every day, so we were able to give our systems time to recalibrate, to regroup, to relax.

3. Now, with the high-speed societies we live in, we don't always give ourselves the time we need between these "potential threats" or even give ourselves the time to be aware of how they impact our internal landscape. There are constant alerts on our phones, computers and other devices bidding for our attention; we have never-ending to-do lists and social events to attend (something we may still be getting used to again after covid) and the constant sounds we are bombarded with in urban environments.?These may not seem like threats, but to our nervous system, they can feel like that.

4. Grounding is an important tool to bring us back to centre, to ourselves, to our true essence and an awareness of our needs. This is a big part of my self-care and looking after my mental health so I can support others. And we do this most effectively in nature.

5. Our networks also help ground us. Like the trees' support network (their roots), ours may be unseen at first and can be larger than we first think.?

6. I recently reflected on this unseen network in a recent supervision session and how the support from my supervisor is backed with all the support he has too. The thought of being surrounded by that didn’t bring answers as such, but it helped me feel stronger and more supported than I had previously considered (NB: I hadn't seen the previous image before I drew this in supervision - the beauty of expressive art - it brings up what is needed)

7. The way out (and up) is to reach out (the title of my book chapter in step aside and rise) - lean into your connections; even when you have the urge to retreat, you will feel better for it.

8. It’s good to get out of our comfort zones to show our systems that it’s safe but it’s also important to do this in a way that feels attuned to you.

9. Baby steps are important when it comes to healing but everyone’s steps look different - so please don’t compare your healing to someone else’s journey. You are exactly where you need to be.

10. Anxiety, stress, and fatigue can all be symptoms of trauma… try asking yourself compassionately, "What’s happened/ happening?" rather than the critical “What’s wrong with me!” This shift in thinking can make such a difference.

11. Self-reflection is key. If you were to sit down and write a list of all the things you got anxious about this week/ this month/ this year... the patterns you would see would help guide you towards your healing. Where do you need support? What do you need to let go of? What do you need more of in your life?

12. Looking after and being aware of our mental health is more than a one-week issue

13. Being aware and compassionate of the mental health of others is not just a one-week issue

14. Understanding the impact of trauma is just the beginning. It's essential to have the right tools and support networks to help us heal, grow, and thrive. I'm passionate about educating others on becoming trauma-informed in their daily lives, workplaces, and businesses. Creating safe and supportive spaces for those who have experienced trauma is crucial, as I know firsthand how transformative it can be.

Creating an emotionally safe and supportive workplace is crucial for staff to thrive. So, if you're interested in integrating trauma-informed practices into your teams or workplaces, let's connect and discuss how I can support you in doing just that.

Additionally, if you're struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out for support - it may surprise you just how vast your network is and the resources available to you.

Let's work together to build a world that prioritises healing and growth beyond trauma.

Like this edition of the Growth Beyond Trauma Newsletter? Check out the Growth Beyond Trauma Podcast for more in-depth discussions around the impact of trauma, the human ability for resilience and tools to help you in your journey of healing.