34
Why did you volunteer to be a Wellbeing Officer? I volunteered to be a Wellbeing Officer because I have lost friends and a family member as a result of mental health issues which were missed or support was provided too late. I am aware that the work we do can often be stressful and challenging to our mental and physical health, so I want to provide whatever support I can to help people avoid, manage and recover from those challenges. Why should we look after our physical and mental wellbeing? Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing increases your energy levels, motivation and productivity, both for your work and for your personal life. It can reduce stress, help you sleep, improve your relationships and keep you healthy, ultimately increasing your quality of life. What are some of the ways we can challenge stigma around mental health? Bring mental health into the light. Talk about it. Share your own stories. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with your team. Tell people if you are having a tough time. You will discover that you are not alone. Not only does talking reduce the stigma, but it allows your friends, your team and your firm to support you.
How do you promote positive mental health practices? I overshare, partly because that is my nature, but partly with the intention of making my office a psychologically safe space for people to discuss their own issues, challenges and concerns. What do you do to look after your wellbeing? I walk, run and hike with my dog. This gives me time to think and decompress while getting some physical exercise. I also set time aside every day to call friends and family so my social support network remains active and I feel connected to the people I care about. What are your book or podcast recommendations on the topic of mental health? The High Performance Podcast. It is a series of interviews with high performers from various walks of life and gives valuable insights into the mindset adopted by those individuals. Don’t listen to one, listen to many and you will hear that everyone has their own challenges. We all meet adversity and we all deal with it differently. Some people’s approaches may seem bizarre, but you may find something that resonates with you. For me, it is to stay humble, trust the process and chase world-class basics.
Pryderi Diebschlag Counsel
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software