Let me introduce myself!

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2017 was, without doubt, my annus horribilis. It was the year I became acutely aware of my own mental health. I lost my father, was made redundant, found a new job, experienced suicidal ideation and had an emotional breakdown all in the space of 6 traumatic months. Until that point, I experienced what most people would consider as the 'normal' fluctuations that we all tend to experience. Ups and downs, and some tough times for sure, but my mental heath was stable, reliable and, sorry to say, taken for granted.

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Following this whirlwind half year, I visited my GP and was subsequently diagnosed with depression and mild PTSD. I started treatment and, for the first time in my life, I began to take regular medication, started counselling and therapy. Slowly but surely, I began to cope and feel better. However effective the counselling, therapy and medication undoubtedly were for me, the start of my recovery was far away from the Doctor's office. For me, it began in the workplace.

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Post-redundancy, the first few weeks in my new job were amongst the toughest I've ever experienced. I was in constant, but silent, distress. I couldn't and wouldn't share what I was thinking, feeling. I was full to the brim with self-stigma and denial, so I put on a brave face and tried to carry on. But it was unsustainable and I had my breakdown, a breakdown that forced me to confront the reality of my crisis.  One morning, I had a heart-to-heart with a colleague in the workplace, who encouraged and supported me to seek help. This conversation turned out to be hugely profound for me and my wellbeing. This was the point that my recovery actually began.

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My life changed course forever and, from this experience, my passion for people and mental health, particularly in the workplace, was born.​​​​​ These past few years have taught me a lot. They've taught me to be patient, kind and compassionate, not only to those around me, but also to myself. To acknowledge the Glimmers, the positive triggers, the small moments of happiness and comfort that we experience. Importantly, I gained clarity. I felt I had a calling.

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I released my book, 'Moon River & Me: A personal account of loss, grief & depression' in 2022, obtained my coaching and mental health trainer qualifications, and returned to University to obtain a degree in Human Resource Management, because I believe that people are the most valuable resource to any organisation.

 

It is my belief that finessing the obvious synergies between HR policies & practices and wellbeing provides a unique perspective and opportunity to have worthwhile, impactful and long-lasting conversations. For me, these conversations act as the vessel for education and innovation. The more we educate ourselves, individually and collectively, the more likely we are to not only recognise when our people are in need of support, but also, and crucially, help develop a better understanding of how to support.

 

Like in my case, recovery might start with a conversation, one rooted in compassion.

 

My hope for Glimmers is simple - to pay the compassion shown to me forward to others because, I promise you, you are not alone.

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