This October we celebrated World Mental Health Day, and the question I want to know is what difference has it made? There were posts all over social media, specific events, and lots of discussions, but several weeks later what difference, if any, has it made to you? To me? To us?
We all have mental health, in the same way that we have physical health, and whilst I am so grateful that
there are more conversations happening, I wonder is it enough? And are they the right conversations?
I, like so many others have had challenges with my mental health, in particular anxiety. I first experienced anxiety when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate student living in London. I started having severe toothache and after multiple trips to the dentist, assessments and x-rays they could find nothing medically wrong. The conclusion was that the ‘toothache’ was actually chronic jaw pain from the pressure of grinding my teeth in my sleep, as a result of anxiety and stress. The interesting thing is I never consciously felt stressed or anxious but my body told a different story.
Over the years I found ways to manage stress and put the necessary strategies in place which included journaling, therapy and having a good support system. Whilst the challenges of life came knocking, as they do for all of us, including grief, redundancy, financial pressures and health issues I managed to maintain some sense of well-being. And then 2020 happened and we found ourselves in lockdown!
We each had differing experiences during lockdown, based on numerous factors, but I think it is fair to say in general it was an incredibly stressful time, full of both uncertainty and the unknowns. As an extrovert, living alone, throughout lockdown, I struggled. A lot! I experienced horrendous anxiety and coped in some detrimental ways. It took therapy, a daily walk and talk with a close friend, and prayer to get me through that season.
Managing and monitoring my mental well-being is now a regular part of my routine and rhythm. Running my own business is fantastic, I love the flexibility, choosing how I work and the chance to be creative. However, there is also a level of pressure and responsibility that at times can feel a little overwhelming, and so these are some practical strategies I implement to ensure balance. I work with coaching clients and deliver training only 3 days a week. I attend Pilates and go swimming at least a few times a week. I journal regularly, plan duvet days and also say no to opportunities that I believe would be too draining, physically and or mentally.
Developing and maintaining good mental health does not “just happen” for all professionals. It takes an
awareness, intentionality, which is still one of my favourite words, and also resilience. There is a spectrum of severity when it comes to mental health and there are organisations that can support when we are in crisis mode, alternatively visiting a doctor is also recommended. It is really, really important that we know we are not alone when we are struggling or have challenges. This in no way takes away from who we are as an individual, our capabilities and also the impact we each make in our circles of influence.
So, whilst I am grateful for the focus on mental health this month, let’s consider how we can continually support our own mental health, as well as others in our lives both inside and outside work. Those we love, lead, and also work alongside. Have a great month ahead and take good care of you!
Francesca McDowall, October 2023