We’re not honest enough. 

We need to talk more openly about mental health. 

Yes, you can probably tell I’m taking a more serious tone this month, and it’s all in respect of Mental Health Awareness Week. The week has passed but mental health never goes away, and should always be discussed openly and honestly.

Approximately 1 in 4 people suffer with their mental health every year, and they shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.

So I guess I’ll get the ball rolling then, for me it’s a mix of anxiety and imposter syndrome. 

Problems I’ve struggled with for the longest time, which have held me back from being me and just going for it! 

I cared too much about what people thought about me, feeling a constant threat of judgement, and I couldn’t stop feeling like I wasn’t good enough. 

It restricted me from voicing my ideas, thoughts and opinions in meetings, and It saw me enter ghost mode on social media, at a time when my music career was kicking right off (I’ll tell you that story another time).

So what changed and why do I feel the courage to speak so openly and honestly now?

I started being more vulnerable. 

Being vulnerable is one of the greatest talents you can possess, because it isn’t easy.

It allows you to make deeper connections and build pure relationships.

I started to believe in myself.

I’ve made a promise to myself to follow my gut, believe in my talents and push forward.

Yes of course I still second guess myself from time to time, but isn’t that just natural anyway? 

The fresh air cleared my head.

I’m spending less time indoors worrying about the worst possible outcome of a scenario, or replaying conversations and events in my head, and I’ve started ‘living’ outdoors. 

I live in sunny South Shields in the North East of England, and the coast is pure bliss. I make time for coastal walks, cycles and now the weather is heating up - a good picnic.

I’m looking after myself.

I’ve been vegan for two and a half years, but that doesn’t mean my diet is always healthy. Vegan junk food is still junk food. I’m ensuring I eat well, take the right vitamins and on top of that I’ve just recently joined a gym (this is a real shocker if you know me personally). 

I’ve got a solid work/ life balance.

Leaving the London rat race to come back to the North East to join NORTH has allowed me to get my work life balance right. I’m not working crazy long hours anymore and I’m encouraged to close my laptop and make time for myself. 

I’m taking small steps. 

By breaking down overwhelming goals into small steps, I’m able to give myself achievable targets that help me to focus. I’m remembering that change doesn’t happen overnight, and as I look back on my progress in one month, two months, three months time, I’ll be chuffed with how far I’ve come.

Anyway, that’s enough about me. 

Ask yourself how can I create a safe place for my team, friends and family to open up and have an honest conversation about how they feel?

Often it’s the people that seem the happiest on the outside, that are really struggling, and just need to talk to someone that wants to listen, help and actually cares. 

A small conversation can mean so much to someone.

A few more things to read 📚:

Learn to listen - Birgit Ohlin - Active Listening: The Art of Empathetic Conversation 📚  

How are you really? - Blurt - What I Mean When I Say I Don’t Know How I Am 📚  

Feeling the burn? - Jessica Robinson - 5 Ways In Which Employee Recognition Can Prevent Burnout 📚  

Sharing is Caring

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If you need someone to talk to, my door is always open, even if we don't know each other yet.

I’m serious, just reply to this email, or find me on LinkedIn

Thanks for reading, this issue was written by Dominic Apes (NORTH - Senior Marketing Manager).