Heal-O #3: Hi FIVE

Last week, I attended SFU's Hi F.I.V.E. movement launch event hosted by SFU Health and Counseling Service. They launched this initiative as a means to eliminate stigma against those who are experiencing mental health issues or illnesses through encouraging dialogue and raising awareness. "Hi F.I.V.E." stands for: Friendship. Invite Conversation. Value everyone’s gift. Eliminate stigma. What a powerful message…something that I believe in and embody.

[Source: Lehoa M., Sept 27 2013]

I recall one of the speakers saying something like, “Your body can’t function if your mind isn’t well.” It got me thinking about the discussions we have and will continue to get into in our class about the mind-body relationship. If an individual is experiencing anxiety and depression, for example, would they be in a state where they want to engage in physical activity to maintain their fitness and health? There might be individuals who obsessively engage in physical activity as a means to achieve a certain body type. In this latter case, would this be considered as a functioning body? How do we discern between what is “functioning” or “healthy” between these two very general pseudo cases?

..:: Mental health ::..

Without getting too much into definitions, I think it is important to recognize that mental health sits on a spectrum, ranging from optimum mental health to mental illness/health issues. I like how the Canadian Mental Health Association defines mental health as, “Mental health means striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process. At times, you may tip the balance too much in one direction and have to find your footing again. Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance.”

I agree with that meaning of mental health because it highlights balance and how each individual’s experience is unique.

Too often there is a negative connotation to the term, “mental health”, where it is generally considered a taboo to discuss. Most people don’t really talk about their mental health or illness. Consequently, most people don’t notice someone who may be struggling with a mental health issue. Even something like stress seems to be “accepted” in the workplace and in life. This isn’t to say stress isn’t good for you – it really is just a body response to external stimuli right (of course, unless it’s chronic stress or stress that someone cannot cope with)? When someone tells you that they’re stressed, do we accept it because “everybody stresses” or do we further probe?  

Someone close to me recently shared their experiences of internal struggles that impacted their mental health. There was no indication of any issues prior to this, so I am very glad that they felt comfortable in opening up to me, even if it was just a little bit. To anyone else out there whom this may affect: there are people who support you, even if you don’t know them. There is a massive network of individuals who want your voice to be heard and to tell you that you are not alone. 

..:: Lastly... ::..

I encourage you to be open to have conversations about mental health and illness and to create safe spaces for this type of dialogue to occur within your home and work environments.

I invite you to join the movement. Start a dialogue. Create awareness. Be open to conversations about mental health.

Here’s a cool video about the travelling diaries initiated by the Hi-F.I.V.E. movement – check it out! Conversations on Mental Health: SFU Opens Up

Let's see...here's My One Thing:

[Source: Lehoa M., Oct 3 2013]

What is one thing you would do to optimize your mental health?