Ep. #91. Beyond Resilience: Navigating Mental Wellbeing at Work

In this special episode of Making Sense of Work, released in honor of World Mental Health Day, Jean Balfour shares a deeply personal and reflective narrative on her journey with emotional wellbeing and resilience.  From the challenges of her early years as a young teacher through subsequent phases of depression and burnout, Jean speaks candidly about the ongoing process of managing her mental and emotional health.

Jean emphasizes the vital connection between personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness. With vulnerability and insight, she highlights the importance of creating safe spaces at work, the role of leaders in supporting their teams, and practical strategies for individuals to cultivate their own emotional resilience and self-compassion.

Jean’s story serves as a reminder that mental health is a continuum and that seeking support is an act of strength, not weakness. It’s a call to normalize talking about struggles in the workplace and to prioritize emotional wellbeing alongside professional success.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Sharing Stories: Jean’s own story illustrates how being open about mental health challenges can reduce stigma and create a culture of support.
2. Self-Compassion and Resilience: Resilience is not just about pushing through; it’s about acknowledging struggles, seeking help, and cultivating self-compassion.
3. Creating Supportive Work Environments: Leaders play a key role in supporting the mental health of their teams by creating safe, open spaces for dialogue.
4. Practical Strategies for Self-Care: Jean shares her go-to tools—therapy, journaling, mindfulness, and the support of trusted colleagues and friends—to maintain her wellbeing.
5. Redefining Resilience: Resilience is about perseverance and adapting through challenging times. It’s less about toughness and more about being open, vulnerable, and kind to oneself.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
• The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

Connect with Jean:
LinkedIn: Jean Balfour

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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbalfour/