Do you take time to care for your mental health? It’s not the kind of thing you can pop on the backburner and get to it when you find a break in your schedule. It requires regular practice.
This week is Queensland Mental Health Week, an annual event that aims to shine a spotlight on what we can all do to take better care of our mental health and wellbeing and reach out to those who need support.
This year’s theme
This year’s theme is Take time – for mental health, and emphasises the six simple things we can all do to enhance our mental wellbeing:
- Take time to be active — it’s good for your mind as well as your body.
- Take time to learn — learning new things can make you more confident as well as being fun
- Take time to give — practising small acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply helping a friend in need can help you feel more satisfied with life.
- Take time to connect — spending time with other people is important to everyone’s mental wellbeing.
- Take time to enjoy the moment — paying more attention to the present and the world around you helps relieve stress and makes you feel better.
- Take time to care for our planet — keeping our planet in shape is the best recipe for world wellbeing.
Try regularly practising these actions for full benefits.
Why mental health is important to us
Unfortunately, members of the legal profession experience high rates of anxiety and depression because of the high pressure and emotional demands placed on them. Tight deadlines and the responsibility of helping secure the finances and futures of their clients would weigh on anyone.
In some firms (and what is certainly glorified in the TV show, Suits), excessive hours in the office are expected and considered ‘the norm’, meaning work-life balance might seem to be a myth, too far removed from reality (not with us, we look after our own!).
Worryingly, instances of burnout are on the rise worldwide. An addiction to perfectionism and workaholism; the ease of access to technology and email meaning work doesn’t stop at the office; the struggle to find balance between work and domestic duties. It’s become too easy to forget about or undervalue time for our wellbeing.
Mental illness affects our clients, too
We’re also acutely aware of the mental health issues faced by our clients, some of whom may have suffered a psychological injury in their workplace, or have suffered anxiety and/or depression as a result of a physical injury and claim process that’s affecting their outlook on, and enjoyment of, life.
Mental wellbeing is important for everyone.
Take time for your mental health
Qld Mental Health Week encourages us to talk about mental health as it’s an important step in reducing the stigma and breaking down the barriers that stop sufferers from coming forward and healing.
You could explore some of the events being held in your area throughout Qld Mental Health Week, or simply make a conscious effort to switch off, unplug, and reconnect with your loved ones and nature.
Need to talk to someone?
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890