Christine Bretana’s Post

People need to toughen up at work. People need to stop complaining. People need to get on with it. These are dangerous things to hear if you're struggling with your mental health. If a worker is underperforming. Is it because: a) they're lazy and unbothered? b) they need additional support? It's easier for management to preach about resilience than it is to actually help people. But inaction hurts companies. You can see the blip in Tyler Grange | B Corp™'s financial growth over a 15 year period when I suffered bad mental health. There's a dip in the graph. In black and white. Rather than: → Sweep things under the carpet → Shame or blame your workers → Pretend it's not happening Support your staff. I installed a few things to help: - Free private counselling from accredited professionals - Ongoing mental health workshops for emotional fitness - “Dream-catching mentors” for open dialogue on career goals They've made a big difference. Companies that take mental health seriously have happy, high-performing and productive teams. There's a strong correlation.

Why hasn’t this clicked yet? Why is this change taking so long? Just last week I again saw someone who works in the mental health space say: “Mental health is on the rise, with more people seeking mental health services”. But ‘mental health’ isn’t on the rise. Mental ill health is on the rise. Poor mental health is on the rise. And just as ‘physical health’ can’t be on the rise. Neither can mental health. Health just exists. We just have it. So can we please start talking about our health as a whole? Think of how we talk about the physical: Physical health Physical fitness Physical support Physical abilities Physical ill health Physical exercise Physical capabilities Let’s try it: Mental health Mental fitness Mental support Mental abilities Mental ill health Mental exercise Mental capabilities ‘Mental health’ isn’t a catch all term, and it isn’t in and of itself, negative. It really makes people still shy away from talking about it, especially in the workplace, I think. What are your thoughts? #HealthIsHealth

5 reasons why mental health is important: 1. Overall well-being Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being. A positive mental state contributes to a higher quality of life, better relationships, and an increased capacity to cope with life's challenges. 2. Productivity & Functionality Individuals with sound mental health are more likely to be productive at work, in their studies, and in their daily activities. Mental well-being positively influences one's ability to handle stress and pressure effectively. 3. Physical Health Connection There is a strong connection between mental and physical health. Maintaining good mental health can enhance immune function, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote a healthier lifestyle. 4. Relationships and Social Connections Individuals with good mental health are better equipped to build and maintain positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. 5. Resilience & Coping Skills A resilient individual can navigate life's challenges, setbacks, and stressors more effectively. Developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as seeking support, practicing self-care, and problem-solving, is essential for mental resilience.

Mental health is equally important for men as it is for women or any gender. Here are several reasons highlighting the importance of mental health for men: Overall Well-being: Good mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being. It affects one's ability to enjoy life, build healthy relationships, and achieve personal goals. Physical Health: Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Neglecting mental health can contribute to physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune system. Emotional Expression: Encouraging men to prioritize their mental health helps create a safe space for emotional expression. It's essential for men to acknowledge and communicate their feelings rather than suppressing them, which can lead to long-term issues. Reducing Stigma: Promoting mental health awareness in men helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. This can encourage more men to reach out for support when needed. Relationships: Good mental health is essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships, whether they are romantic, familial, or friendships. Communication, empathy, and emotional well-being play significant roles in healthy connections. Productivity: Mental health affects one's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and perform well in various aspects of life, including work and career. Addressing mental health concerns can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Role Modeling: Men who prioritize their mental health set positive examples for others, including younger generations. This can help break the cycle of harmful stereotypes and expectations around masculinity. Suicide Prevention: Men are statistically more likely to die by suicide than women. Promoting mental health awareness and seeking help can be a life-saving measure in preventing suicides among men. Coping with Stress: In today's fast-paced world, everyone faces stressors. Learning healthy coping mechanisms and resilience is crucial for men to navigate life's challenges. Personal Growth: Good mental health allows individuals, including men, to grow, learn, and adapt to life's changes.

Just as you would invest time, effort, and resources in your physical health, dedicating attention to your mental health is equally important.   Here's why:   1. Improved Productivity: When your mental health is in a good state, you're better able to focus, make decisions, and handle tasks efficiently. 2. Enhanced Relationships: Good mental health allows you to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and maintain healthier relationships. 3. Reduced Healthcare Costs: Neglecting mental health can lead to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders. 4. Emotional Resilience: Investing in mental well-being equips you with the tools to manage stress, cope with challenges, and bounce back from setbacks. 5. Long-Term Happiness: Prioritizing mental health contributes to an overall sense of contentment and happiness. 6. Physical Health Benefits: Chronic stress and mental health issues can contribute to physical ailments, so maintaining good mental health can positively influence your physical well-being. 7. Personal Growth: Working on your mental health often involves self-reflection, personal development, and self-awareness. 8. Quality of Life: Ultimately, investing in your mental well-being enhances your overall quality of life. It allows you to enjoy meaningful experiences, engage in activities you love, and have a more positive outlook on the future.

MENTAL HEALTH Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that affects how we think, feel, and act. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, playing a significant role in how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Understanding mental health and its importance is crucial for maintaining a healthy, balanced life. FACTORS AFFECTING MENTAL HEALTH : Several factors can impact mental health, including: BIOLOGICAL FACTORS : Genetics, brain chemistry, and other physical health conditions can influence mental health. LIFE EXPERIENCES : Trauma, abuse, and other stressful experiences can affect mental health. FAMILY HISTORY : A family history of mental health issues can increase the risk. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS : Social and economic conditions, including poverty and lack of access to healthcare, can impact mental health. TREATMENT : It's essential to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues. Treatment options include: THERAPY : Counseling or therapy can help individuals understand their emotions and develop coping strategies. MEDICATION : In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage symptoms. SUPPORT GROUPS :Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and help individuals connect with others who understand their struggles. LIFESTYLE CHANGES : Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep habits can improve mental health.

World Mental health Day! Just some reasons why it is so important.   Mental health is critically important for several reasons, and here are five key points that emphasise its significance: Emotional Well-Being: Good mental health is essential for emotional stability and well-being. It allows individuals to navigate life's challenges, manage stress, and experience positive emotions like happiness, contentment, and peace. It helps prevent the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive Functioning: Mental health influences cognitive processes such as memory, decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. When mental health is optimal, individuals can think clearly, make sound judgments, and effectively handle daily tasks and responsibilities. Physical Health: Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Poor mental health can contribute to physical health problems like sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. Conversely, maintaining good mental health can support physical well-being and overall longevity. Relationships: Strong and healthy relationships depend on good mental health. It enables individuals to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and build meaningful connections. Poor mental health can strain relationships, lead to conflicts, and cause social isolation. Productivity and Success: Mental health significantly impacts an individual's ability to excel in various aspects of life, including education, career, and personal goals. A healthy mind is more likely to foster creativity, motivation, and resilience, leading to higher levels of productivity and success.

Choosing to go to therapy is pretty COOL for a bunch of reasons, especially in today's world where taking care of your mental health is seen as a powerful and positive move. Here's why it's cool on a personal level: Self-Care Priority: Going to therapy is a powerful act of self-care, prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. Breaking Stigmas: It challenges outdated views that seeking help is a sign of weakness, contributing to breaking down societal taboos. Proactive Awareness: Acknowledges and addresses mental health concerns in a proactive and responsible manner. Empowering Choice: Reflects a commitment to personal growth, self-improvement, and an active role in well-being. Personal Growth Journey: Aligns with societal values of continuous personal development and actively working towards becoming the best version of oneself. Inspired by Role Models: Many celebrities openly share their therapy experiences, inspiring others to embark on a positive and transformative journey. Mindfulness and Wellness Alignment: Fits seamlessly with current trends, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being. Community Support: Finds understanding and encouragement within a supportive community, creating a positive space for personal growth. Contributing to Conversations: By choosing therapy, actively contributes to reducing stigma and encourages others to seek help. Holistic Mind-Body Connection: Recognizes and aligns with the growing understanding of the mind-body connection in overall health. Therapy is a personal decision that fits with the values of self-care, personal development, and breaking down stigmas around mental health. It's a journey that's ALL ABOUT YOU and YOUR WELL-BEING.

If you are a student, you should read this to know the meaning of health (like REAL health). You are making a BIG BIG mistake in understanding health. Social media is flooded with fitness influencers which develops a very narrow perspective. They majorly focus on physical health and then mental health. But health is way more than that. 👉🏻 Let's see in short. Health is of five types: 1. Physical Health: This refers to the overall well-being of your BODY, involves factors like nutrition, exercise, sleep, and the absence of illness or disease. Essential for maintaining energy, strength, and a high quality of life. 2. Mental Health: It's about your emotional and psychological well-being. Involves managing stress, better cognitive ability, and you will be able to think properly. 3. Social Health: Your ability to build and maintain healthy relationships and connections with others. It includes effective communication, social support, and a sense of belonging within a community or social network. 4. Emotional Health: Refers to your ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions effectively. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, and the capacity to express and handle emotions in a balanced way. 5. Spiritual Health: This involves finding purpose and meaning in life, often through personal beliefs, values, and practices. It can be a source of inner peace and fulfillment. 👉🏻 You learn and think as if they are separate. They are not. They are strongly related to each other. Good social support and emotional control keeps your mental health good that can help put in more work for physical health. So, follow a holistic approach to health. Don't get influenced a lot. Do your own research and optimize. Thanks for reading 🙏