Chris McCoy Lavery
© VisitScotland
Looking after your mental health
Talking about your issues or concerns is so important for your mental health. The first step is to ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength, and it means you value yourself; you have to tell yourself "I am worth it".
I have my own personal experiences with mental health. My mum suffered with depression, which is why I pursued counselling as a career. I also experienced severe post-natal depression for a year, and I believe all of my experiences with mental health issues has enriched my understanding of and ability to support others going through their own battles.
Real empathy is giving someone the time to share and to listen, they will soon tell you what they need. I have spoken with many people over the last three years and most come away from a one-to-one session feeling seen and heard, which is what almost everyone seeks when experiencing difficulties.
One of the key learning points in our mental health training sessions is about validating someone's feelings and that is the greatest gift you can give someone.
