A group chat from members of our communities, bringing a frank and honest discussion of experiences of mental health, and tactics for keeping yourself resilient in times of mental distress. Facilitated by Alex Ker, with panelists Kate Aschoff, Theta Likins, Aliyah Winter, Jarrod Klooster, Richard Fray. A special thank you to the participants and InsideOUT for allowing this session to be recorded and shared.
Summary
The recording from the Shift hui event at Te Horouta Marae in Porirua on April 20th, 2018, captures a vital conversation on self-care tactics for mental health. Facilitated by Alex Ker and featuring insights from Aliyah Winter, Jarrod Klooster, Kate Aschoff, Richard Fray, and Theta Likins, the panel delves into personal experiences and practical strategies to manage mental health challenges.
The panel members, each at different stages of their mental health journeys, share their narratives and the importance of self-care for overall wellness. They emphasize the necessity of acknowledging one's feelings and to consider self-care as proactive self-awareness leading to positive action. Key components include practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries within communal settings, understanding personal limits, and the vital role of consent in exchanging emotional support.
Participants underscore routine and structure as fundamental aspects of self-care. Keeping a balanced life, with ample sleep, healthy eating, and maintaining social connections was highlighted as transformative. Simple pleasures like long walks, enjoying one’s own company, and even embracing moments of solitude through activities like movies or video games can significantly contribute to one's mental health.
The conversation further addresses tough love, which is about encouraging oneself to engage in healthy practices, even when it's not appealing, like eating well or forcing oneself to socialize during low periods. Another critical theme is befriending oneself; nurturing the different voices within and cultivating an inner nurturing parental voice that provides guidance and support.
The dialogue tackles the notion of resilience. It isn't about suppressing feelings but allowing oneself the time and space to experience and work through challenging emotions. Resilience is about recovery at one’s own pace rather than just the capacity to bounce back quickly. The panel criticizes societal pressures that frame resilience as an ability to endure and return to productivity, irrespective of personal struggle.
Excessive self-criticism, as opposed to self-reflection, is discussed as a hurdle to self-care. Panelists advocate for shifting from a self-critical stance to one of non-judgmental self-assessment, promoting personal healing and growth.
The recording ends with an interactive session where attendees share their self-care strategies that fit within their time and budgets. These include simple acts like staying hydrated, appreciating indoor plumbing, writing down feelings, and evaluating one's thoughts to distinguish the rational from the irrational.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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