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Home Blog All Things Mental Health With Stella Ladikos
13May

EP#65 - All Things Mental Health With Stella Ladikos

By Claire Wescombe | Blog, Podcast, Real Talk With Outperformers, The Outperformer, Brad Eisenhuth, Change, Inclusion, diversity, mental health, mental wellbeing | 13 May 2024 |
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On this episode of Real Talk With Outperformers, Brad welcomes Stella Ladikos. Stella is the founder of Meraki Mental Health Training, and she has dedicated herself to educating people on how best to support their communities through times of mental health crisis
In this episode, Brad and Stella discuss all things mental health and wellbeing - including ways to look out for and support those you care about as well as your own self.


Stella's Journey to Entrepreneurship

Stella was initially inspired to take action by a close family member struggling with their mental health, as she realized she had no idea how to help them or be there for them. Since then, she has dedicated herself to educating people on how best to support their communities through times of mental health crisis. She's gained extensive qualifications and training, launching her own business - Meraki Mental Health Training, which focuses on providing training to unis, communities, schools on how to discuss, talk about and work through mental health. She also recently started offering personal one-on-one counseling, and works with mainly young adults to learn more about their mental wellbeing.

Listen before offering solutions.

Listening before offering solutions is a crucial aspect of providing effective support to those in need. Stella discusses the common tendency for people to jump into "fix-it" mode when someone opens up about a struggle or problem. While the intention may be to help, this approach can sometimes be counterproductive and even dismissive of the person's feelings and experiences.

Stella continues to discuss the importance of taking a moment to listen and understand the person's needs before offering solutions. By asking questions like, "What do you need from this conversation?" or "Do you need to vent or problem-solve?" we can better tailor our support to the individual's specific needs. This approach not only shows empathy and understanding but also allows the person to feel heard and validated in their experiences.

Additionally, she highlights the importance of creating space for silence and emotional expression. Sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do for someone is simply to sit with them, listen to them, and validate their feelings without rushing to provide solutions or advice. By allowing for moments of vulnerability and emotional expression, we can foster deeper connections and offer more meaningful support to those in need.


Check in with yourself regularly.

The importance of checking in with oneself regularly is highlighted as a key factor in maintaining mental wellness, especially in the workplace. Brad and Stella's conversatoin delves into the complexities of managing mental health in a professional setting, where individuals may be balancing the needs of their team members with their own well-being.

Stella also emphasizes the need for business owners and managers to prioritize their own mental health, as well as that of their employees. It is noted that individuals in leadership positions may often overlook their own well-being while focusing on the needs of others. This self-reflection is crucial in order to effectively support and guide team members.

The discussion also touches on the distinction between mental health, mental wellness, and mental fitness. Understanding the differences between these concepts can help individuals better identify and address their own emotional and psychological needs. By recognizing the various factors that can impact mental well-being, individuals can take proactive steps to manage stress, seek support, and prioritize self-care.


Mental illness requires understanding, not blame.

Mental illness requires understanding, not blame. This statement is especially relevant in today's society where mental health issues are prevalent and often misunderstood. This discussion with Brad and Stella highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between struggling with mental health and experiencing a diagnosable mental illness. It emphasizes the need for empathy, support, and a non-judgmental approach when dealing with individuals facing mental health challenges.

One key point raised is the misconception that mental illness is a choice or a result of personal behavior. This belief can lead to stigmatization, blame, and a lack of understanding towards individuals struggling with mental health issues. The podcast speaker shares personal experiences and observations to shed light on the complexities of mental illness, such as the biological, chemical, and psychological factors that contribute to conditions like depression and anxiety.


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