Human beings - Everybody needs one

Mental Health week, especially in the past few years, has been incredibly instrumental and effective in illuminating some of the issues contributing to the debilitating stigma and stereotyping that causes agonising suffering for so many.

Rather than re-visit some of the common topics being discussed this week, I feel inspired to make a celebration of the incredibly potent and positive effects human beings can have on one another.  

In managing my own mental health, a favourite practice is embarking on life changing adventures, one of which occurred less than three weeks ago.  This experience had me living on a small boat for 3 days and diving among the steroidal fish tank that is Australia’s miraculous Great Barrier Reef (I can now add “Certified Diver” to my list of accomplishments!)

Perfect sunsets, turquoise water and mind-blowing marine life aside, what literally “floated my boat” was the quintessential motley crew of 38 Jacques Cousteau wannabes which included only 3 Aussies.  Quietly observing human beings at their best, I witnessed a bunch of vulnerable strangers from every corner of the world, provide unconditional friendship support, comfort, understanding, encouragement, kindness and care in this strange and unusual environment.  The result was simply beautiful and something I’ll forever behold.

It reminded me a lot about our workplaces and how organisations can often forget the simple but very powerful truth, that people need to be together and contained in healthy, nurturing environments that have incredibly positive, productive and sometimes phenomenal outcomes. 

In a recent article, beyondblue policy, research and evaluation leader Dr Stephen Carbone said social isolation was a big risk factor for mental health conditions, particularly depression.

"Human beings are social creatures and we do better when we're with other people in most cases," he told the ABC. 

In the spirit of celebrating the beauty of human beings, it’s with enormous gratitude and pride that I acknowledge my own workplace – Who Group really does epitomise an environment that supports mental health and after 6 years, remains free of judgement and stigma.  Our place is one of safety and security where diversity is embraced, as is the reality that it's okay not to be okay.

The collection of people at Who Group is like a tried and true basic and tasty recipe, where the chef at the end, throws in a few handfuls of secret and magical ingredients.

Everyone has a different formula, but something I was reminded of during my recent adventures is that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what language you speak, universally, human beings are better when they are together.

Remember, it's okay not to be okay, and kindness and care can save lives...

Mental Health can positively affect engagement & trust

Our research suggests that an integrated approach to safety, including both physical and mental health can positively affect employee engagement and trust.  Who Group can help support your initiatives through our Human Capital team.  What’s your organisation doing to prioritise employees’ mental health in the workplace?

Please note this blog is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used as a substitute for a health professional's advice. Australia has many Support Pathways that are free and accessible to almost everyone.