Today we are talking with Jules Haddock, an accomplished conversationalist in mental health education who shares her own struggle with mental health, rooted in a traumatic childhood experience. Plus Jules shares tips to get through the silly Christmas season.
If you have struggled with mental illness or struggle to define what mental illness even is, this ones for you. Why are we laughing so hard? What’s so funny? And how can laughing help?!
The conversation features Jules Haddock, a mental health educator, founder and president of Art of the Minds, and a certified laughter yoga instructor. Jules shares her multifaceted career, which includes running mental health first aid workshops and a program called the 'Wheel of Recovery.'
It's a show packed with laughs, reflections and vital takeaways.
Please join us.
What We Discuss:
00:00 Introduction
01:29 Jules Haddock's Journey and Work
04:01 The Role of Art and Creativity in Mental Health
05:14 The Impact of Trauma and the Path to Recovery
09:12 The Importance of Self-Compassion and Seeking Help
14:28 The Role of Community in Mental Health
28:32 Understanding Depression and Anxiety
32:12 The Challenges Women Face in Mental Health
34:13 Advice for Mothers on Helping Their Kids
37:02 The Challenges of Single Parenthood
39:06 The Birth of Art of the Minds
42:40 The Power of Laughter Yoga
49:45 Tips for Navigating the Hectic Christmas Period
52:19 Practicing Self-Compassion
56:47 First Steps to Take When Struggling
58:51 Takeaways
Takeaways:
- Importance of Connection in Healing: connection is essential for healing from mental illness. Whether through support groups, community programs, or simple one-on-one interactions, connecting plays a significant role in mental well-being.
- Vulnerability and Sharing: Jules shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and stresses the importance of being vulnerable and open about mental health experiences. She highlights the power of sharing stories, as it can make individuals feel less alone and encourage them to seek help.
- Taking Responsibility for Mental Health: Jules encourages individuals to take responsibility for their mental health. This includes seeking help, experimenting with different strategies, and being proactive in managing one's well-being. The journey may involve relapses, but taking steps toward improvement is vital.
- Importance of Self-Compassion: Jules emphasises the significance of practicing self-compassion, especially during challenging times. She suggests a practical exercise where individuals name their feelings, recognise that others around the world may share similar emotions, and then provide themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would offer a friend. This lesson underscores the value of self-love and forgiveness.
- Laughter as a Tool for Well-Being Jules advocates for the power of laughter as a tool for mental well-being. She introduces the concept of laughter yoga, explaining how laughter, even if initially forced, triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain. This lesson encourages individuals to incorporate laughter into their lives as a simple yet effective means of improving mood and reducing stress.
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