HEALTH & WELLBEING
YOU ARE NOT ALONE: let your voice be heard Mental health has always been an underlying concern. However, it’s now more evident than ever before, due to the unprecedented and challenging times we’re currently all facing. Reeta Minhas-Judd BA, Assoc CIPD, DIP Founder of RMJ Training Services COVID-19 has highlighted just how important our mental health really is. Having dark and negative thoughts is something we’ve all faced in our lives, but not on the scale we’re experiencing now. In normal times, it’s not pleasant being unable to share our thoughts with anybody, because of fear of retribution or embarrassment or shame, so some people continue to suffer in silence. There’s no escape for many, and especially so during COVID, because the restrictions will not allow us the opportunity to escape our surroundings anyway. Therefore, people’s daily lives become monotonous and unpleasant thoughts become a person’s company. Thoughts circulate in minds constantly like a hamster wheel, and the more they circulate the more the brain “programmes” them as a truth. So, what’s the answer? We cannot control COVID, so what’s the resolution to dealing with these mental health issues? There are only so many distractions to escape to each day, so again the thoughts and voices in our head form what we begin to believe. Communication is the way forward. This gives us the opportunity to share the burden of our thoughts and emotions with others. People say, “I don’t want to talk about it”, but it’s now more important than ever that this mindset is reversed. Without communication, we may remain anxious and even in despair, especially if we can see no light at the end of the tunnel. In very extreme cases, individuals take their own lives.
The benefits of taking the first step to better communication can literally save lives. By confiding in somebody and talking about our thoughts, feelings and emotions, we can unburden that heavy weight carried upon our shoulders. This can help us to come to terms with our emotions and feelings and ultimately, by verbally expressing and explaining them, we’re better able to see more clearly what the reality of the situation is and identify what is fiction and what it not. During COVID, individuals have experienced so many problems. Some have lost loved ones, some their livelihoods, and some their sense of purpose. Many are unable to escape the four walls of their surroundings due to the restrictions put upon us – so ironically, these have in some cases caused more harm than good. Fortunately, there is always hope. This is what I have learnt over the past two years since I started running my own business, RMJ Training Services. I offer clients the reassurance and guidance they seek that they will be okay and things will improve. I teach them strategies to help change their mindset into a more positive state. I also run well-being COVID workshops
on Zoom to highlight issues which are so apparent during this pandemic. These include bereavement, coping with anxiety and stress, anger management, money matters and health and mental well-being. The first step in wanting to make a change is to communicate and this is where I’m happy to help. As the younger generation are one of the most vulnerable groups during this pandemic, I offer a complimentary 30-minute guest-speaking session at educational institutions and the session is based on well-being and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Guest speaking is one many of the services we offer. If you are one of the millions of people in this country who need to talk, I would urge you to seek help. You all have a voice, and you deserve to be heard. I can honestly say from my experiences as a life coach that by simply talking, you can achieve such a sense of relief. Please get in touch if I can help, as you will be making the first step to the recovery of your happiness.
For more information visit www.rmjtrainingservices.com
‘The benefits of taking the first step to better communication can literally save lives. By confiding in somebody and talking about our thoughts and feelings and emotions, we can unburden that heavy weight carried upon our shoulders.’ Business Connexions | 29
