By Michael Weston
Thursday, 10th October 2024 is World Mental Health Day, a day of global focus on our Mental Health.
This year in Australia, our theme is Meaningful Connections Matter.
We have known for decades that having human connection in our lives is important; however, it wasn’t until the world was left feeling exposed and vulnerable to COVID 19, did we really understand how it would affect our Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Speaking from personal experience, being challenged by Anxiety, Depression and PTSD, on the days when I would prefer to stay at home and be a recluse, my mind would wander off. By wandering off, I mean festering, with too much time to think about all the negative things about myself.
This is why Meaningful Connections Matter!
We speak of “meaningful” because having the courage to venture out in public just for the sake of “getting out” may not be as stimulating to us as is connecting with people in a way that will benefit us the most.
Connecting with people we want to surround ourselves with such as our family, friends, work mates, our GP or a psychologist to name a few, is in effect, our support network.
Whoever the people are in your life, you have them in your life for all different reasons; however, there is a common denominator amongst these people. At some point in time, they will be there for you in your time of need to support you and in return, you will be there for them when they need you so it goes both ways. The connections from both sides have a meaningful purpose, that gets us from a day where we may be struggling through to a better headspace.
These people play an important part in your life in some shape or form, which is why it is important to continue maintaining your connections as well as seeking out new connections. You don’t have to go the journey alone.
Please remember, Meaningful Connections Matter 😀.