We interviewed Nurse Practitioner and Mental Health Advocate, Dr. Shelby Collins! With her DNP work, she explored the impact of stigma on healthcare worker burnout and mental health help seeking behaviors as a strategy for improved safety outcomes, quality of care and well-being within healthcare delivery organizations.
Question: What is the main focus of your career? Answer: In my career, I am focusing on mental health advocacy for nurses and healthcare workers. I am working on encouraging nurses to take better care of their mental health by focusing on breaking the barriers that stigma causes in our profession. Many times, nurses feel the need to conceal or avoid mental health care due to fear of career repercussions. I am currently working with Georgia Nurses Association’s Legislative Institute which is a state-level professional organization for nurses to better understand the legislative process so that I can better advocate for this issue. I have an entrepreneurial spirit, I started my first business at 25 so I would love to take my advocacy in that direction whether it be innovation with a digital app for nurses or a nonprofit. Question: What does mental health mean to you? Answer: To me, mental health is the ability to live the most fulfilled life you possibly can. It is not one size fits all. There is also an aspect of resilience and by this, I mean with whatever life throws at you being able to reset. It takes practice but keeping a state of regulation is important. Question: What is the most important lesson you learned through your Doctoral project? Answer: My doctoral work focused on mental health stigma in nursing, where I implemented a quality improvement project aimed at increasing use of one of our existing mental health resources. During this process, I had to practice the skill of taking things one step at a time. I have always been a go getter and a big picture thinker. I was always looking ahead but this experience really forced me to take smaller steps. It was how I stayed focused and how I kept myself well. I learned that small steps turn into big gains. Question: What inspired you to pursue mental health advocacy? Answer: I have always been passionate about the field of psychology. In nursing, no matter what area you specialize in there is always a component of mental health. One of the first things we learn is therapeutic communication where we support patients who are going through difficult times mentally or physically. I decided to focus on advocacy due to my lived experiences. When I started the program I experienced a decline in my mental health and I was forced to withdraw. When I started to open up and tell my story, I saw how many nurses were also struggling. So I made the decision to take my experience to help others. Question: What do you think is the most effective way to spread mental health awareness? Answer: I definitely think storytelling is the best way. Sharing your story makes a difference. It does not have to just be on a big public platform, it can even mean opening up to a friend. Question: What do you think is the most important component of maintaining positive wellness growth? Answer: Recognizing that setbacks and failures are part of each of our own journeys; resilience and how we work to keep moving forward is a big part of maintaining positive wellness growth. I think knowing things may go wrong but being able to turn those into learning moments is important. It is not about perfection, it is about learning, growth, and moving forward. Question: Is there any advice you would give to someone who is struggling with their mental health? Answer: The first thing I would say is to always reach out even if you feel like people do not want to be around you or you feel like isolating yourself. Know that you are never a burden to anyone. Secondly, know that you create your own joy and happiness. It is not something you are going to get externally. It is up to you. I know that when you are in the throes of depression it can seem impossible. Being able to find happiness in the small things definitely helps. Additionally, it is okay to get help - no matter what degree you have, how powerful you are, or how worried you are about how it will affect your career or family. Finally, if you have trouble finding professional help, reach out to groups like NAMI or the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. They will not replace professional medical care but they can provide fast support because it is not uncommon for it to take some time to get into professional care.
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We interviewed Author of Simply Anxious - Notes on Anxiety Recovery & Anxiety and Mindset Coach, Lisa Towers! She was recognized in the Queens New Year Honours and awarded a British Empire Medal for her contributions. Learn about her take on mental health!
Question: What is the main focus of your career? Answer: To help, inspire and motivate people to recover from anxiety. I suffered with anxiety for decades because I didn’t have the knowledge or understanding I have today. I don’t want others to go through the same and wait decades to find freedom from anxiety. So, my focus (it’s my passion) is to share all I know in the hope that if it helps just one person get their freedom back it will be worth it. Question: What does mental health mean to you? Answer: Everything, without good mental health and peace of mind you feel like you have nothing. It robs all enjoyment of life and negatively impacts everything in your life. Question: What is the most important lesson you learned through your own mental health journey? Answer: That anxiety is not the illness, it is the symptom. An emotion (message) telling you that something in your life is threatening your well-being. It could be: negative thought patterns, beliefs, relationships, lifestyle, environments all these things can take their toll on your emotional well-being if they are toxic or self-limiting. The illness is the stories we tell ourselves about anxiety being an illness and harmful. As it is that which develops the disorder. A fear of anxiety and the stories like ‘I can’t cope, I’m damaged’ etc cause the disorder. Oh and never label yourself with a diagnosis ‘Anxious person’ as this can cause all sorts of unnecessary false beliefs and limitations for yourself. You are not anxiety. Anxiety is something you experience. Don’t focus on the symptoms, soothe them but focus on the cause of the anxiety and resolve that. Once you do the symptoms will disappear. Question: What inspired you to pursue mental health advocacy? Answer: My own recovery but also because I suffered way before the internet or any kind of mental health awareness. No one spoke about it and the stigma rife. It felt so isolating and scary, and I don’t want others to have to experience that. I wanted to shout from the rooftops the facts I have learned throughout my recovery. There are so many myths and derogatory statements around mental health that need to be changed. I want to do my bit to bring mental health in parity with physical health. I did it in real life for a while in the UK and got awarded a Queens Honour’s medal for my voluntary work in raising awareness which was a nice surprise. But I wanted to reach more people and share my story and so I created Simply Anxious and that’s where we are today. Question: What do you think is the most effective way to spread mental health awareness? Answer: I know it is not everyone’s cup of tea but talking openly about it. The more we do this more normalised it will become. It’s the lack of openness that breeds the stigma. Let’s be open and reduce the risk of others suffering in silence. I remember being off work sick with anxiety and no one contacted me or sent a get-well card etc. Stigma caused that. Yet when I was off with the flu my phone didn’t stop ringing. It’s just not right. Question: What do you think is the most important component of maintaining positive wellness growth? Answer: Self-care, self-love, and emotional awareness. Learning about yourself, your needs, and nurturing them is key to positive growth. Letting go of society’s expectations and standing in your truth. Question: Is there any advice you would give to someone who is struggling with their mental health? Answer: Talk to someone (I do get annoyed with all the adverts ‘get therapy’- unfortunately therapy is becoming something that only the privilege can access. We need to be mindful not everyone has the money, waitlists for funded therapy are way too long. More needs to be done to support people) whether it’s a friend or a group of like-minded people. Look into self-help too as there’s so much you can do to improve how you’re feeling. Spend time in nature, this played a huge role in my own recovery. And put your healing and mental health first. And know this is temporary. Question: What is your favourite Anxiety-grounding technique? Answer: It has to be the 5,4,3,2,1 technique – especially when outdoors. It’s designed to soothe your mind so that you can get through challenging moments. The goal with this exercise is to use the five senses to shift your focus away from those anxious thoughts that can fuel the anxiety. Look for FIVE things you see around you, FOUR things you can touch, THREE things you hear, TWO things you can smell and ONE thing you can taste. It works so well. Question: Is there anything else you like to include? Answer: Yes, just a few reminders about anxiety. It will always pass and cannot hurt you. You can ‘feel’ unsafe and be safe. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. Remind yourself that you are stronger than you know, and you will get through this. You’re not alone and recovery is obtainable. Don’t forget that!
We interviewed District Wellness Coordinator Mrs. Katie Newman! She is based in Georgia where she is serving to help provide wellness resources to students and families across the county. Learn about her take on mental health!
Question: What is the main focus of your job? Answer: The main focus of my job is addressing barriers to wellness needs of students and families all across Forsyth county. I look through the lens of a social worker, not only looking at internal challenges but also environmental. Question: How many years have you worked in the wellness field? Why did you choose this career pathway? Answer: I have worked in school social work for 14 years. I wanted to help students and families with a wide net of challenges. Education has been such a powerful tool for students to create connections, a sense of purpose and belonging, and avoid negative life altering decisions. I was a youth camp leader and I always wanted to help students but did not yet have the skills for their greater needs. In worship, I remember thinking “if not you then who?” I've always had a strong sense of social justice so it just made sense to look into a career in social work. Question: What is your favorite wellness activity? Answer: My favorite wellness activities are ones that recharge my battery. I love running and playing guitar because it helps reduce stress and anxiety. When I am running, the rhythm of the right and left foot helps settle my mind. Question: What does the term mental health mean to you? Answer: Mental health is not only the absence of illness but also the possession of skills necessary to cope with life challenges. Question: What do you think are the most effective ways to spread mental health awareness? Answer: I think building relationships and conversation. PSAs and billboards bring thoughts that come and go but starting a conversation can make an impact. With my Native American background, narratives and storytelling is very important. It helps people remember the personal statements, building resilience and coping skills. Question: What is the most important component to maintaining positive wellness growth? Answer: Keeping a growth mindset and help-seeking behavior are the most important components to maintaining positive growth. With the growth mindset, knowing that your situation no matter how hard is temporary. Staying hopeful is essential. When you feel comfortable seeking help when you need it, you feel supported. Question: How do you think other areas of wellness relate to mental health? Answer: I think all areas of wellness: Financial, Environmental, Emotional, Relational/Social, Cultural, Occupational, Intellectual, and Physical all impact mental health. For example, with physical wellness if your diet is lacking it can impact you, your gut is your second brain. Question: Is there any advice you would give to someone who is struggling? Answer: You are not alone, this is only temporary. You are worthy. Everyone struggles with mental health. It spans across different economic status, gender, age, and lifespan. We are not perfect nor are our lives meant to be but in order to thrive, we need to seek out what will help us grow. Remember that things can be difficult but you can be okay. In the eye of a hurricane, chaos can surround you but there can be calmness within.
We interviewed High School Counselor Mrs. Amy Short! She is based in Georgia where she is serving to help high school students navigate through their tough times. Learn about her take on mental health!
Question: What does the term mental health mean to you? Answer: My definition of mental health is that it represents how your whole self is feeling. It's not just your physical health or how your body is feeling but it's all a part of who you are [mentally]. When we're talking about mental health we're talking about: Are you happy? Are you feeling satisfied in the things that you're doing? Are you feeling confident in yourself? Are you feeling able to tackle the day? It is almost like the untouchable companion to your physical health, it can be good or it can be bad and a lot of it deals with the circumstances. Question: What is your school counseling/educational philosophy? Answer: My school counseling philosophy is for my students to know, as long as it isn't within the realm of ethical or illegal, I will do whatever I can to support them. That is why I am here, that's really what drives everything that I do as a school counselor. If we need to sit down and you don't know where to start, that’s ok, I'm going to listen to you. I'm going to hear you. I'm going to treat you respectfully. It's super important to me that I listen to you and I want you to know that you are being heard because if it’s important to you, it’s important to me. Question: What do you think is the most important characteristic of a school counselor? What's the most essential characteristic that provides a supportive environment for students? Answer: I think it's super important as a school counselor to be an advocate for our students. [More specifically] knowing that I'm going to help you if you need help no matter what the topic or issue is. Listening and advocating are the most important characteristics. Question: What is the most innovative counseling technique you have used? Answer: School counselors at the high school level aren’t always able to do a lot of group counseling sessions where you may use certain techniques. We are not licensed Mental Health [professionals] so you have to be careful ethically to stay in the role of school counselor and not therapist. When I started this job I was 23 and [my students] were teens, [so] we weren't far apart in age. [However,] students continue to stay in their teens and I keep aging. I hope what I bring is not a fancy innovative trick, but more trying to be relatable in my conversation and stay up to date with what is going on. Question: Is there any advice you would give to someone who is struggling? Answer: It is super hard to be a teenager these days. I would want a student who is struggling to hear me say that. I hope that opens a door for them to let them know that I am on their side. While I don't know what it's like to be a teenager now [I know that it is] very difficult. We ask that you take challenging classes, be involved in clubs, play sports, and even work part-time. We encourage you to do all this. However, we still say that you also need to have fun with your friends and need to go out for pizza on Friday nights. We somehow expect that as a teenager, you can and should manage all of these things and do it with a smile. It's unfortunate because at the same time that I'm telling [students] to do all of these, the very next breath I'm also telling you that you need to take care of yourself and find ways to relax. I can see how that is very confusing and overwhelming. Question: Is there anything else that you would like to add? Answer: I want to tell students that [school counselors] can do so much more than just schedule changing. We are all master’s level educated at a minimum and I promise in our graduate programs, schedule changing was no part of what we learned. We are here to support you in so many different ways. So what I want students here to realize, like I said earlier, is if you're not sure who to ask, if you just need to talk, or if you just maybe want to come sit on the floor and look out the window, that's okay. Come to your counselor. I want students to be able to walk in that door, be greeted by a friendly face, and have whatever it is addressed. Even if I don't know the answer or I'm not the right person, we will figure it out. It’s going to be okay.
We interviewed Psychiatrist, Dr. Suzanna Chen! She is a board-certified MD psychiatrist who owns her own private boutique practice in Manhattan, New York. Learn more about her take on mental Health!
Question: What is the main focus of your job & how many years of schooling did it take? What’s your favorite part of your job? Answer: The main focus of my job is to improve mental health. I work to enhance and maximize wellness, and not just treat illness. I mainly do this through therapy and lifestyle changes. I can also add medications in some cases, only if appropriate and truly needed. In terms of school and training; it took 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and then 4 years of residency. However, this is an exciting and an ever changing field and it is good to continue to learn throughout your whole career. I do this through attending conferences, attending talks, and reading new research. My favorite part is making a positive difference in people's lives. Question: What inspired you to choose this career path? Answer: People's stories. I am always in awe and humbled with the privilege of being there with others, through the ups and downs. This career lets me combine science and creativity. It is what satisfies my ikigai, combining what I love, what I am good at, what can help the world, and what can be a profession. Question: What does “mental health” mean to you? Answer:Mental health for me is part of the whole human being, just like physical health. To me this also means that it can be worked on and improved as part of general self care. Question: What do you think is the best way to spread mental health awareness? Answer: In whatever way we can. This can look different for each one of us, whether it is by just being there for one of our good friends or whether it is by joining organizations and advocating for public policy changes. For me personally, I try to do this in a variety of ways. I explain how great mental health self-care is to people I know. I use social media to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma since that's what many people use and I can reach a bigger population. I also presented at the United Nations to try to reach a more global population. Question: Tell us about how you approach counseling/treatment and how you individualize treatment for a client. Answer: I look at each person's story, each situation, and each goal. Each human is different and there's no one-size-fits-all for the complexity of the human experience. Question: How do you help a patient/student maintain positive growth? Answer: Just like physical activity and healthy eating is a continuous process, positive mental health growth is a continuous process. Through therapy I try to pass on the skills that will persevere forever and will be useful no matter what comes up in the future. Question: How would you describe the path to recovery of mental health in terms length and difficulty? Answer: Each path is unique to the person and the situation, so there's a large variation in length and difficulty. Question: You notice a change in your friend’s behavior and they tell you they feel helpless. How would you respond? Answer: It depends on the situation. But in general I would start with being there and listening to my friend. I would want them to know that they aren't alone and that they are being heard. I would also want to try to make sure my friend is safe, as that is a priority. Additionally, just as I would support that my friend go to their own dentist and get the professional treatment that they deserve if their tooth hurts, I would also support that they get help from a mental health professional if professional evaluation and treatment is needed.
We interviewed Mental Health Consultant, Zura Rubab Khan! She is based in Pakistan where she is serving as a certified professional in the Mental Health career field. Learn about her take on mental health!
QUESTION: What is the main focus of your job? ANSWER: The main focus of my job is to help people who are suffering in silence and who might never get a chance to reach out for professional help for their mental health concerns & conditions. QUESTION: What inspired you to choose this career path? ANSWER: I chose this career path because I always had this humanitarian approach towards people & life! I am more of an empathetic person by nature and that is one of the many reasons I’m just passionate about my job. Additionally, it genuinely makes me happy to promote positivity in our community! QUESTION: What does “mental health” mean to you? ANSWER: Well, for me, mental health is one of the most necessary subjects for people to be educated and aware of. It also is about how important it is to normalize the stigma that revolves around the mental illness. QUESTION: Tell us about how you approach counseling treatment and how you individualize treatment for a client. ANSWER: Every individual is unique and different, and may have different personalities and mental capacities! So, the treatment plan/interventions that we, counselors or mental health consultants/therapists, decide will also be different for every person according to the proper assessments and diagnosis. QUESTION: How do you help a client/patient maintain positive growth? ANSWER: This is a really good question. Promoting and maintaining positive growth is essential and vital to mental health. Since almost all of the conflicts that start in a person's life are due to the negative, hopeless mindset; I would definitely love to advise the people that mental well-being is far more important than anything that costs your mental peace! QUESTION: How would you describe the path to recovery of mental health in terms of length and difficulty? ANSWER: First and foremost, we need to provide psycho-education to our people because psychological counseling, or any therapeutic approach, doesn’t work like magic! IT DOES TAKE TIME. Educating our people will help them realize that we are dealing with human emotions/ feelings and behaviors. So, it takes a while to work on these sensitive concerns regarding their mind. Furthermore, we need to assist them in understanding that these emotions have been a part of their personality for so long, maybe years. So, a bit of patience & acceptance is necessary in this “journey of healing”. QUESTION: What advice would you give someone who is struggling with a mental illness? ANSWER: I would advise anyone who is suffering from any sort of a mental illness/condition to start believing that your mental illness doesn’t ever make you weak in any way. Just because your mental illness isn’t visible doesn’t mean that it is not real. Please seek professional help because asking for professional mental help itself is the most courageous act to do! So, make your mental health a priority because YOU MATTER! |
