360 Psyche® | Mental Health

Unleashing Your Creativity Creativity is the spark that sets innovation ablaze. It's the driving force behind artistic masterpieces, groundbreaking discoveries, and game-changing ideas. Yet, many of us struggle to tap into our creative potential. Strategies to unleash your creativity 1. Embrace Curiosity • Ask open-ended questions • Explore new interests and hobbies • Engage in conversations with diverse perspectives • Read widely and often 2. Challenge Assumptions Assumptions can limit creative thinking. It can be boring and may end up frustrating the creative juices you possibly have. 3. Collaborate and Cross-Pollinate Engage in interdisciplinary projects, co-creation workshops, and brainstorming sessions to combine unique experiences and expertise. 4. Cultivate a Creative Routine Establishing a structured approach helps individuals tap into their full potential. Schedule dedicated creative time, setting achievable goals and deadlines. This includes developing a pre-creative ritual, such as coffee or music, and regularly reflecting on progress to adjust the routine as needed. 5. Seek Inspiration Inspiration sparks creativity. Inspiration can be found all around us; in nature, art, travel, conversations, stories, books etc. Just immerse yourself in the “here and now”, and you’d be surprised at how your mind opens up. 6. Break Free from Fear Fear is a natural emotion that can stifle creativity. It manifests in three primary forms: fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of the unknown. ⭐️How can one overcome Fear 👉Reframe Failure: View failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. 👉Embrace Imperfection: Recognize that perfection is unattainable, and imperfections can lead to unique creations. 👉Set Realistic Expectations: Break down goals into manageable tasks and celebrate small victories. 👉Create a Safe Space: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage experimentation. 👉Take Small Risks: Gradually challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. 👉Practice Self-Care: This includes adequate sleep and relaxation, regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining good mental health and wellness. 👉Celebrate Progress: A growth mindset fosters a positive creative environment. Acknowledge your progress by, reflecting on accomplishments, rewarding yourself, sharing your work with others and continuously giving yourself to learning and improvement. ⭐️Remember • Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a part of the journey. • You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Creativity is a muscle that grows with exercise. Start with small steps and watch your imagination soar. We are passionate about you, always 💜💜

MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK: THE ULTIMATE WIN-WIN Something amazing is happening today!!! WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY!!!! A day marked to celebrate and promote a healthy mind. October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is shining a spotlight on "Mental Health at Work." This crucial topic affects us all, whether you're an employer or employee. Prioritizing mental health at work isn't just a moral imperative; it's a savvy business decision. Did you know that mental health issues cost the global economy $2.5 trillion annually? Conversely, every dollar invested in mental health returns $2.30 in productivity. Gone are the days of sweeping mental health under the rug. Forward-thinking companies like Microsoft, Google, and Patagonia have already embraced mental health initiatives. Their strategies range from mental health days to flexible work arrangements and wellness programs. Employer Takeaways Investing in mental health doesn't have to break the bank. Simple steps like: • Training managers to recognize mental health signs • Encouraging open communication • Offering flexible work arrangements • Employee Empowerment As an employee, Know that your mental health matters. You deserve to work in a space where your mental wellbeing is prioritized; a place that is healthy for your mind, that allows you to grow, flow and grow mentally. You have the power to prioritize your mental health. Start by: • Communicating your needs to your manager • Taking breaks to recharge • Seeking support from colleagues or professionals Today is World Mental Health Day: • Share your story in the comment section to break the stigma • Encourage your employer to prioritize mental health • Encourage your colleagues to prioritize mental health • Take the first step towards a healthier, happier workplace as an employer We are passionate about you, always 💜💜

Stress Less, Live More: The Art Of Effortless Balance Imagine waking up each morning feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way. Sounds like a dream, right? But what if you could make that dream a reality?🤷🏼♀️ Stress has a sneaky way of creeping into our lives; stealing our time and disabling us from enjoying the very things we work to get. It makes our lives seem so out of control; like the time is on constant fast forward, like your life is on autopilot. But it's time to take back control. Breaking Up with Stress Breaking up with stress starts with a simple yet powerful mindset shift: recognizing that stress is not an inevitable part of life. It requires a conscious decision to prioritize your wellbeing amidst the chaos of daily life. It's about recognizing the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways stress creeps in and learning to interrupt those patterns. Start by identifying your stress triggers. Is it: • The morning news feed? • A cluttered inbox? • A packed schedule? • Social media comparisons? Once you know what stresses you out, create a stress-breaking plan: • Set boundaries: Allocate specific times for checking emails and social media. • Practice "tech detox": Take breaks from devices throughout the day. • Schedule self-care: Treat relaxation time as non-negotiable appointments. • Reframe your thinking: Challenge negative thoughts and focus on solutions. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, pause and ask yourself: • "What's driving my stress in this moment?" • "Can I control this situation?" • "What self-care practice can I apply right now?" Simple yet powerful techniques to break up with stress include: • One-minute breathing exercises: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold again. • Mindful walking: Take 5-minute breaks to walk and focus on your surroundings. • Micro-meditations: Use apps like Headspace or Calm for short, guided sessions. • Physical activity is another stress-busting superhero. Whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga class, or a gym session, movement boosts mood and energy. • Journaling helps process emotions and gain clarity. Write down your thoughts, reflect on your experiences, and release the weight of stress. The Stress-Free Life By embracing these simple yet powerful strategies, you'll be able to unlock: • A clearer mind, free from mental clutter • A more balanced life, where productivity meets relaxation • Deeper connections, forged through meaningful relationships • A stronger sense of self, rooted in self-care Join the Stress-Less Movement! Share your favourite stress-busting tips in the comments below. Let's create a community that thrives on balance and well-being. Passionate about you, always 💜💜

UNDERSTANDING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: BREAKING THE SILENCE AND SEEKING SUPPORT Imagine being overwhelmed with joy and congratulations, yet secretly struggling with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. For 1 in 7 new mothers all over the world, this is the harsh reality of postpartum depression (PPD). In Nigeria, the statistics are alarming – between 10.7% and 44.5% of mothers face this silent battle. Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than just "baby blues." It's a debilitating condition that steals joy, energy, and identity, affecting millions of mothers worldwide. Untreated, it can have devastating consequences for mothers, children, and families. As "Maternal Mental Health" by the World Health Organization (WHO) notes, "Untreated maternal mental health problems can have serious consequences for the mother, child, and family" Globally, postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth, affecting approximately 15.7% to 20.8% of new mothers. This means that: ▪ Over 10 million women annually experiencing PPD globally. ▪ An average of 17.22% of mothers experience PPD globally. ▪ 50% of cases remain undiagnosed globally. Unravelling the Causes A lot of things serve as risk factors for PPD. They include hormonal changes, not getting enough sleep, stress, anxiety, a history of depression, lack of support from ones spouse or family, and trauma maybe from childbirth or other situations. Recognizing the Signs The symptoms of PPD’s can be subtle yet debilitating. You should watch for persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, difficulty bonding with baby, irritability, anxiety, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues. Don't dismiss these warning signs – SEEK HELP Breaking the Silence: Seeking Help Despite the alarming prevalence of PPD, many women still struggle to seek help due to feelings of shame or guilt from family and society at large. However, it is essential to remember that “PPD is not a Sign of Weakness or Failure as a Mother!” Breaking Free: Seeking Support Don't let shame or guilt hold you back from getting the help and support you need! Prioritize self-care, getting enough rest, proper nutrition, and hydration. Talk to a mental health professional or your healthcare provider about therapy, medication, or support groups, and don’t forget to Treat yourself with kindness, just as you would a friend. You Are Not Alone! You're not a bad mother, and help is available! Reach out to your healthcare provider, a mental health professional, or click the link in our bio. Together, let's shatter the silence and support each other. We are passionate about you, always 💜💜

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to admit that we are not okay. 😔 We keep our emotions bottled up because we don't want to be a burden. 🙅 But Remember, sharing your emotions isn't a weakness. 🏋️ It's okay to not be okay! ☺️ You're not a burden!☺️ You're not alone!🫂 We can help you! 💜 We are passionate about you, always 💜💜

Mental Flexibility means accepting change rather than just adjusting to it. It's the capacity to change viewpoints, consider different options, and react creatively and resiliently to difficulties. Mental Flexibility also offers the ability to rearrange past knowledge, while assimilating new information to be able to adapt to demands that are constantly changing and solve various problems or unknowns. A mentally flexible individual may display certain characteristics. • Open to new ideas and ways of doing things Willing to try new experiences • Able to adapt to different situations • Capable of dealing with unexpected stressors Mindful of others' thoughts and feelings • Likely to suggest creative solutions to problems Why is Mental flexibility important? • Resilience: It helps us bounce back from setbacks and challenges. • Problem-solving: It allows us to find innovative solutions. • Creativity: It fosters new ideas and approaches. • Adaptability: It enables us to thrive in changing environments. • Improved Relationships: It enhances our ability to understand and connect with others. How Do You Stay Mentally Flexible? • Challenge and change negative thought patterns. • Explore different ways of doing things. • Practice Problem-Solving skills. • Maintain a Positive Outlook. • Learn to adapt when faced with unexpected changes or challenges. How Do You Stay Mentally Flexible? • Be open to constructive feedback from others to gain new insights and improve your approaches. • Practice mindfulness to increase awareness of your thoughts and emotions. Regularly reflect on your decisions and identify opportunities for improvement. Being flexible in your daily life can help avoid frustration and conflict if things don't go your way, which in turn can help reduce your risk of health conditions like anxiety, depression. Flexibility is also an important ingredient in relationships, leading to better success in romantic relationships, smoother family dynamics, and overall well-being. Many of us wished to be more dynamic and flexible. Fortunately, life is a series of unexpected turns 🤷🏼♀️. Mental flexibility can be one of our superpowers. 🦸🦹 There are steps to develop mental flexibility. Try new things, meet new people, and more!!! Swipe to see 🔜 We can help you! We are passionate about you, always 💜💜. #growthmindset #mentalflexibility #adaptability #personalgrowth.

It's never too late to focus on your self-care and well-being. 💙🤗 We can make this work together 🫂 Passionate about you, always💜💜 #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCareAugust

Do you have a hard time trusting yourself? Do you hide parts of yourself your feelings, beliefs, and ideas to fit in or please others? Do you diminish or discount your feelings because they don't matter? If so, you might be experiencing self-abandonment. What is Self Abandonment? Self-abandonment is the harmful habit of consistently putting others' needs before your own. This involves neglecting your thoughts, feelings and desires to please or accommodate others. Self-abandonment is a self-destructive pattern that can contribute to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and unfulfilling relationships. Why do we abandon ourselves? Self-abandonment begins in childhood. It is a learned behaviour, a way to cope with unhealthy or dysfunctional family dynamics. However, you learn to conceal who you really are when you grow up in an unstable, disorderly, or violent household. Causes of Self-Abandonment • Childhood Experiences • Trauma • Low Self-Esteem • Societal and Cultural Influences • Perfectionism • Fear of Rejection • Assuming primary responsibility for others' needs without considering personal limits. Recognizing signs of Self-Abandonment • Neglecting Self-Care • Suppressing Emotions • People Pleasing • Difficulty setting Boundaries • Feeling unworthy, inadequate, or unimportant. • Experiencing constant exhaustion and burnout from overextending oneself How can one stop abandoning oneself? • Practicing self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding rather than criticism and judgment. • Engaging in activities that promote self-worth and confidence. • Resist the urge to hide parts of yourself away, even if you're afraid of judgment or disapproval. How can one stop abandoning oneself? • Practice identifying your emotions at the moment as you feel them. Stay present in your mind, even when experiencing negative emotions. • Learn to say "no" when it's in your best interests to do so and set boundaries to protect yourself. Breaking free from self-abandonment means learning to value yourself and set boundaries for your well-being. It's okay to put yourself first. If you find the process challenging, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide valuable guidance and support.

Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to strength. 💪✨ Accepting our journey, facing our challenges, and seeking support is what truly makes us resilient. We can help you!!! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need to get connected to a professional 💜💜 #MentalHealthMatters #StrengthInVulnerability"

You truly deserve more! Passionate about you, always 💜💜 #HealthyLove #AccountabilityInLove #YouDeserveIt