Not too long ago, I’ve come throughout two heartbreaking social media posts about people who died by suicide. Each had been described as seeming glad and effectively within the days main as much as their deaths. It is a tragically widespread sample – many individuals seem to have come out the opposite aspect of their psychological well being struggles earlier than they take their lives. It’s a identified warning signal, however one too few in our communities are conscious of.
Psychological well being coaching offers us the instruments to identify these purple flags earlier than tragedy strikes.
Not too long ago, a contact reached out to me looking for recommendation on how you can help a buddy experiencing acute suicidal misery. Whereas I used to be finally in a position to reply, the delay in communication left them feeling unsupported. This example, whereas deeply irritating, speaks to a broader difficulty: too usually, we attempt to purchase life-saving psychological well being abilities solely after a disaster has emerged.
It’s like attempting to be taught CPR whereas somebody is already drowning.
We wouldn’t await a hearth to discover ways to use an extinguisher — why will we deal with psychological well being emergencies any otherwise?
Prevention Is Highly effective—However Neglected
Regardless of widespread consciousness campaigns, Australia’s method to psychological well being nonetheless skews closely towards remedy quite than prevention (eg. “We’ve acquired an Worker Help Program”. In accordance with the Australian Institute of Well being and Welfare (AIHW), in 2020–21, roughly $6.6 billion was spent on psychological health-related providers, however solely a small fraction of that went towards prevention and early intervention. This funding imbalance displays a reactive system—one which waits for signs to develop into extreme earlier than providing assist.
However by then, the associated fee is larger – emotionally, financially, and, typically, fatally.
Why Coaching Issues
Psychological well being coaching isn’t only for leaders. It’s for teammates, lecturers, buddies, and members of the family. Once we equip on a regular basis individuals with the talents to recognise indicators of psychological misery and reply appropriately, we construct a security internet—one which catches individuals early, earlier than they attain breaking level.
Workplaces that spend money on psychological well being coaching report higher productiveness, larger worker retention, and a stronger sense of group. Extra importantly, they develop into environments the place individuals really feel protected to talk up—and the place those that pay attention are prepared.
Don’t Wait Till You Want It
In the event you’ve ever thought, “I wouldn’t know what to say if somebody instructed me they had been struggling,” you’re not alone. However that uncertainty is strictly why we’d like coaching—earlier than somebody turns to us for assist.
Psychological well being abilities are life abilities. They shouldn’t be a last-minute scramble. They need to be a part of how we present up for one another – proactively, with confidence and compassion.
Begin now. Spend money on the talents. Be the individual somebody can safely flip to—earlier than it’s too late.
In the event you’re able to convey psychological well being coaching into your office or group, let’s have a dialog. Contact us at hello@mentallywellthy.com.au or on 0419 120 601.
