We’ve known for a while now that poor mental health is a big issue within our industry. It’s one the key reasons for creating Comms Unplugged, after all. But now one comms pro is taking matters into his own hands. Maybe you could support him…
by Daniel Cattanach
About 15 years ago, I was prescribed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) by my GP, after suffering from anxiety caused by stress at work.
During the course of my six weekly appointments with the CBT therapist, we talked through the problems I was facing and, amongst her other sound advice, she suggested that I should try physical exercise, like cycling, to help alleviate my worries. I can still remember the sense of freedom I felt by riding along the Cumbrian coastline - the wind flowing through my thinning hair.
So why am I telling you this? Well, for one thing, it's actually a bit of a relief for me to be able to talk about my own mental health. After a decade-and-a-half of seeing the impact of mental health concerns on my friends, family, colleagues and myself - especially when we've been reluctant to talk about it - it feels good to tackle it head-on and openly. It's taken a while, but at last we're seeing the benefits of being able to share our feelings with others who understand. I think this is vitally important for all of us - now more than ever.
Secondly, the cognitive link between physical exercise and mental health may help explain why I'm attempting to cycle 100 miles on a folding bike during October. Stick with me for this…
I'm taking part in the Ride for Mental Health, in aid of the charity Rethink Mental Illness. As well as raising money, I'm hoping to raise awareness - by sharing one piece of mental health advice per day throughout the month via social media - except for Sundays; when I take a break from the screen (there's a tip for you already). At the end of the month, I plan to pull all the lines of mental health advice together and share them in the form of a song.
As well as personally finding this sort of creativity extremely therapeutic, I genuinely hope that it will also help enable others to overcome the stigma of mental illness and check in on their friends, family and colleagues - especially those who may be struggling to talk about how they're really feeling. Even if it helps just one person then it'll be worth it.
If you'd care to follow the journey then please check out my JustGiving page. I'll also be posting updates on social media with the hashtag #FeelsOnWheels - it's all about sharing our feelings and enjoying the ride.
I hope you can join us.
Daniel Cattanach is a senior communications officer working in regional government. You can say hello to him on Twitter at @DanielCattanach
