In this month's episode of "Create your Kindspace", Caroline, sits down with the insightful Holly Clark, owner of Blooming Mind. Their discussion shines a light on a subject that too often remains hidden in the shadows: mental health and suicide.
Holly’s journey, marked by personal tragedy, is a testament to the power of knowledge and community support. This conversation, while poignant and at times emotional, seeks to empower our readers and listeners to understand, recognise, and most importantly, act when it comes to these critical issues.
Disclaimer: The discussion touches on sensitive topics, and readers are advised to approach with caution. Resources for mental health support are provided at the end of this article.
Holly’s journey into the realm of mental health and suicide awareness is both deeply personal and inspiringly transformative. Her path, like many heroes in stories, was paved with moments of pain, doubt, and rediscovery.
Two decades ago, Holly, with a bright-eyed passion for psychology, embarked on her academic journey in hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist. But life had other plans. Just a few months into her studies, tragedy struck. Her brother, a young soul with seemingly no outward signs of distress, tragically took his own life.
"I set off ready to study psychology... And sadly, a couple of months into my starting university, my brother took his life. At the time, we didn't think there were any signs, and something that stuck with me for a long time... How did we not notice that he was feeling that way?"
The weight of this loss took a toll on Holly, leading her to distance herself from the very topic she had been so passionate about. Seeking a refuge from her emotions and the world of mental health, she transitioned into a career that was, in her own words, as far away from feelings and emotions as one could get - she became a maths teacher.
Yet, destiny has its way of circling back. A decade into teaching, Holly's innate passion for understanding and supporting mental health resurfaced. An invitation to a mental health first aid course was the turning point.
“I got invited to attend a mental health first aid course, and I attended the course, and it was incredible. And I thought, do you know what? This is how I can use my skill set of having that understanding and empathy and a bit of lived experience around mental health alongside my teaching skills to bring the two together. So that is how I started delivering education around mental health and suicide.”
And consequently, Blooming Mind was born. This venture is Holly's tribute to her brother and her contribution to a society that often shies away from such crucial discussions. Blooming Mind isn't just about awareness; it's about equipping individuals with the tangible skills to recognise signs of mental distress and provide the necessary first aid.
Both Caroline and Holly, through their shared experiences, underline the critical need for openness, dialogue, and proactive support in the realm of mental health. Shining a light on the importance of addressing, rather than sidestepping, these conversations.
"By shining a light, we're making it better just by having a conversation."
The story of Holly, her brother, and the birth of Blooming Mind is not just a narrative of pain and loss. It's a demonstration of resilience, transformation, and the undeniable power of human connection.
It's not often that we find ourselves pausing and reflecting on the complexities of human emotions, especially the consuming nature of grief. Yet, in the conversation between Caroline and Holly, we're taken on a journey that delves deep into the heart of empathy and understanding.
In our world of quick fixes and instant solutions, we often struggle with how to approach someone in pain. Do we offer advice, provide a distraction, or maybe stay silent
"Being afraid to say something wrong shouldn't deter us from reaching out and connecting."
Caroline and Holly beautifully highlight that sometimes, it's not about having the right words. It's about having the right intention. The term "compassionate curiosity" resonates as a mantra for those moments of uncertainty. It's about reaching out with an open heart, free from judgment.
Symbols have the power to transcend words. They evoke emotions, tell stories, and unite communities. The Baton of Hope is one such symbol. As Holly shares her experience of being a Baton bearer, we're reminded of the intricate web of individual and collective grief. Each bearer, each story, adds a layer to this narrative. While the Baton of Hope relay stands as a symbol of awareness, it also casts a spotlight on the glaring gaps in our understanding of the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health.
There's a hush that often envelops conversations around suicide—a societal hesitance that needs breaking.
"Conversations like these... provide valuable insights into how to navigate such conversations with empathy and compassion."
The idea of "Compassionate Curiosity" emerges not just as a conversation starter, but as a call to action, and a gentle reminder that in the complex maze of human emotions, a listening ear and an open heart can make all the difference.
In a world filled with difficulties, it is often our personal struggles that become invisible. In a raw and heartfelt dialogue between Holly and Caroline, the conversation shifts to a less discussed but highly relevant theme: the financial struggles many face and its implication on mental wellbeing.
We've all felt the pinch of escalating costs, but we don’t often speak about its ramifications. As the conversation unfolds, Holly and Caroline address this widespread issue. Financial strains have shifted from being a distant worry to a present nightmare for many.
It's all too easy to get caught in the spiral of despair when bills pile up, but there is hope. With numerous support systems in place, from help lines to debt management charities, assistance is available for those who seek it.
"There are some amazing debt management charities out there. And there's also some rogue traders as well. So it's really useful to know whether the not-for-profit organisations that are running that are there to support you with managing your finances because they can be incredible.”
Workplace mental health has emerged as a significant focus, especially post-pandemic. While many are familiar with mental health first aid training, Holly introduces a more specialised training: suicide first aid training.
"So, suicide first aid training is... training people of how to recognise and respond in a crisis."
It's not just about knowing the signs but understanding the underlying beliefs that can potentially lead someone to think about suicide. Holly emphasises the significance of recognising changes in someone's behaviour, no matter how subtle, as an invitation to connect and inquire.
Holly's personal story, where her attempt to reach out to a student indirectly led to another seeking help, is a testament to the power of open dialogue.
"That to me was just evidence that you can't ask the wrong person. You're just creating this environment where people know that you're safe to talk to."
While the conversation touches on the painful realities of life, it also sheds light on the potential for recovery and resilience. Holly's note on her student, who once considered suicide but is now thriving, is a touching reminder:
"Most people can and do recover."
In the realm of education, the weight of responsibility on educators can be immense. The backdrop of today's educational scene reveals not only the pressing academic requirements but also the silent struggles many students face, be it from personal turmoil or the universal societal pressures.
"Young people need to understand that these feelings... they're not forever."
"There's a lot of work to be done," Holly notes, drawing attention to the stress experienced by educators. The rallying cry seems to be: "That's education." Yet, despite these hurdles, teachers hold a unique position of trust, standing at the crossroads of academic studies and emotional wellbeing for their students.
"They need more resources... proper funding for mental health support within schools." The narrative is clear: our educators need more support. Mental health shouldn't be a mere add-on in the curriculum; it should be at its heart.
You might be surprised to find solace in the simple act of putting pen to paper. When Holly found herself struggling with insomnia, she reached for a blank sheet of paper, and in that action, a sanctuary was born that then became a tool that anyone can use in the form of a physical book.
"The Sunrise Scribbler was actually created at two o'clock in the morning."
This wasn't just any journal. It was an anchor, a way for Holly to tether her wandering mind and find calm amongst the storm. From listing gratitude’s to seeking out the silver linings, Holly was crafting a daily ritual, a dedication to positive reflection.
"Our brains are designed to pick up on negative information... We must train our brain to think more positively."
For Holly, "The Sunrise Scribbler" was more than just pages bound together; it was an invitation. An invitation to start the day right, to seek out pockets of joy, and to remember that no matter how stormy life gets, the sun always rises.
Holly's journey through entrepreneurship is a dance between challenges and rewards. Time plays a lead role, revealing itself as both a gift and a test. The freedom to mould her schedule allows Holly to cherish moments with her two children, but simultaneously casts a shadow of difficulty in setting boundaries.
"Time is both the challenge and the reward. Flexibility is the gift, but boundaries? That's the test."
Holly's mission goes beyond business; she's driven by a powerful urge to shape a better mental health landscape. Her training sessions, focused on mental health and suicide prevention, have sparked change in ways she couldn't have fathomed. A touching story about a volunteer, empowered by her training to intervene and potentially save a life, stands testament to the ripple effect of her business.
"That's why I do what I do. One life saved; one conversation ignited – that's the ripple effect of awareness."
With World Mental Health Day just passed, Holly is set to launch initiatives that reach deeper into communities, striving to break the chains of financial barriers. Her mission is clear – to make vital mental health training accessible to everyone.
"With the right funding, the barriers come down. The skills become accessible to all, and the community becomes a safer place."
Away from work, Holly finds relief in the embrace of music. It's her refuge, guiding her through moments of joy, sorrow, and rejuvenation.
"Music takes me where I need to be. Whether it's a song that brings tears or one that sparks a kitchen dance – it's my refuge."
Beyond tunes, Holly introduces a therapeutic self-embrace called havening – a simple yet profound technique to calm the mind and heart.
"Sometimes, all you need is a self-embrace, a moment to slow down, to feel and to heal. You just give yourself a bit of a hug and rub down... just give yourself a stroke. And while you're doing that, you're releasing Delta waves in the brain that are the most restorative."
For anyone seeking help or guidance, remember, you're never alone. Here are some invaluable resources:
Lastly, if you'd like to dive deeper into this conversation and uncover more insights from Holly, be sure to check out the full podcast episode.
Always remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whatever you might be facing, there's a community and resources out there to support you. Don't be afraid to reach out if you notice a change in someone. As Holly says, you can never ask the wrong person and a conversation can save someone's life.
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