Managing Anxiety

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How to help a friend who is struggling with their mental health

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How to help a friend who is struggling with their mental health

Supporting a loved one through mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, however even small gestures can make a meaningful difference. If you're wondering how to help a friend with mental health concerns, the most important thing you can do is show up with patience, kindness and an open mind. You don’t need to have all the answers — listening and offering a safe space can go a long way.

Whether your friend is experiencing anxiety, depression or another challenge, learning how to help a friend with mental health problems can ensure you offer the right kind of support while also taking care of yourself.

Ahead of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, in which the national theme is “Community”, this week guest writer Beth Rush returns for her fourth article for Calmer, sharing an overview of different mental health conditions, effective communication strategies to help a friend in need, and practical ways to offer them support.

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How to start a conversation about mental health

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How to start a conversation about mental health

Today marks Time to Talk Day 2023, a day recognised by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in support of ending the stigma that still surrounds mental health.

While we’ve come a long way in taking mental health issues seriously, sadly there is still a stigma attached to the term ‘mental health’. Whether that’s in the form of embarrassment, shame or denial, the reality is it can prevent individuals from either acknowledging their own mental health concerns, or talking about it openly with others.

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The link between mindful eating and better health

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The link between mindful eating and better health

Many people have heard of mindful eating, and for some, it is an entirely new concept. What is it? What are the three R’s of mindful eating? How does mindful eating contribute to a healthier lifestyle?

Learning about this new way of looking at your food intake begins with a mindset shift, which results in multiple benefits to your overall health and wellbeing.

This week, Beth Rush returns with her third guest blog post for Calmer to explore what mindful eating is all about. Here, Beth shares simple and effective strategies to enable you to enjoy this beneficial practice, and highlights how it contributes to better health.

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How to navigate conflict at work

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How to navigate conflict at work

We’ve all been there — sitting across from a coworker or boss, whether in person or virtually, feeling that knot in our stomachs as we gear up for a difficult conversation. Whether it’s confronting a colleague who keeps dropping the ball on shared projects or discussing a well-deserved pay raise with a difficult manager, tough talks at work can be daunting and scary.

But here's the reality: you can’t avoid conflict at work forever. The good news? With the right strategies, you can handle these difficult conversations in a way that leads to resolution rather than escalating into further conflict.

This week, we welcome Pinky Ghadiali to share her perspective on ways to resolve different types of conflict at work, empowering you to lean into tough talks with confidence.

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How to Celebrate Coming Through a Tough Time

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How to Celebrate Coming Through a Tough Time

Progress is always worth celebrating, both in and out of the workplace. Whether you’ve been dealing with anxiety, burnout, stress, or any kind of pressing situation, taking the time to acknowledge what you’ve conquered and to honour your progress plays an important role in your mental wellbeing.

When we recognise personal growth in a positive way, it inspires us to keep going and continue our pursuit of a fulfilling life. It serves as a reminder of how resilient we can be and also what we can achieve when we persevere through tough times or situations. If you want to mark your successes in surviving whatever curveballs life has thrown your way, these ideas can help you do so.

This week, guest writer Gladys Torres returns with another piece for Calmer, sharing insights on how to navigate challenging times and a proactive mindset.