Wellbeing in terms of both physical health, as well as mental health is more important than ever before.
According to the WHO, nearly one billion people worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder, according to latest UN data – a staggering figure. Increased investment is required from all fronts for mental health awareness to increase understanding and reduce stigma.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10th 2022 it’s important to highlight some of the varied ways people and businesses are supporting others with their mental health.
Reinventing Path is led by sisters Farya and Fareda Barlas who are both qualified therapists with around 20 years of experience combined. There are plenty of misconceptions around mental health and therapy they are looking to challenge, helping others uncover how therapy can help them. Whilst many see therapy as a short term fix, in reality, they believe it can have far greater value when viewed as a continual journey that encompasses all aspects of life. That’s why whilst practising, they have seen many clients who have tried therapy but were still feeling unfulfilled by the process. Their approach combines methods to look beyond simply treating immediate symptoms. They take a holistic approach, connecting people to their inner resources and moving them away from conditioned thought patterns. Within this they also turn to the impacts of intergenerational and collective trauma, and ways that wider society can deeply impact wellbeing.
Through this they have been able to help many people overcome difficulties and embark on a process of continuous improvement – for Farya and Fareda, therapy is not just a job, but a life process.
And when it comes to seeking health, business leaders are amongst the least likely to reach out. That’s where Humane Startup steps in, founded by Ashlie Collins who is on a mission to create healthier leaders. 50% of CEOS and Founders report feeling alone, and the same amount report experiencing challenges with their mental health. Ashlie has experienced this herself and having watched colleagues go through the same she created Humane Startup so she could make a difference.
Ashlie has an incredible amount of experience working as a startup executive mentor, speaker and sales trainer, partnering with courageous entrepreneurs and sales professionals who have blasted through their revenue goals and achieved hyper-growth in a way that feels authentic to them, and doesn’t come at the cost of their own mental wellbeing. That has led her to recently launching a Startup Therapy App which helps leaders define their values to discover inner peace.
Meanwhile, at Above & Beyond Alison Kriel, a former inner-city Executive Head Teacher, is trying to help turn the tide of poor mental health within education. She’s created Above & Beyond – a platform for schools, school staff, consultants, innovators and more to celebrate their wins. When people share both their struggles and joys, it helps to make every school a great school through sharing ideas, showing support and sparking conversations. The goal is to help people in education celebrate themselves and share the joy in the job.
We all know that activity can be key to improving our mental health, and Adore Dance knows this more than many. They are an East London-based dance school with the mission to create an inclusive space that welcomes people of all abilities who might be apprehensive about dance, or feel like it wouldn’t be for them. Founded by Connor, an ex-professional dancer, and Joe, from a family of dancers and dance teachers, the school offers sessions in a range of styles including ballet, commercial pop and barre fitness.
Adore Dance looks to build a relaxed environment, and strike a balance between giving people the push they need to achieve their goals and try new things, but without the feeling of dance being an ‘elitist’ discipline. They believe that the dance should be about love, not pressure and hope to encourage as many people as possible to get started.
