Everything Under The Sun: Promoting A More Meaningful Life

Pat Armitstead exudes joy in her surroundings.

Living life more fully - we all would like some of that. Even more, most of us would like more joy in our lives. Today, many of us face difficult and dark times, especially here in the US. We face some of the most stressful, most embarrassing, most depressing times, especially in thinking about our leaders. So, yes, I'd say we'd like much more of that joy and living life more meaningfully. There may be many paths to getting there, but we'll take a look at one, developed by a woman who lives in Australia.

Previously an RN for 16 years, Pat Armitstead has been on the speakers circuit for another 15 years. She exudes positivity, and helps others to transform their lives, living life more fully. She is considered to be an accomplished artist and utilizes her talents to express her encounters with the human experience.

Ms. Armitstead recently facilitated a new Mental Health in the Workplace program, because there are so many mentally ill individuals in the population that it isn't uncommon for business owners and managers to encounter them at work. However, one views mental illness, whether bound by societal stereotypes or accepting of those who have mental illnesses in the work setting, it makes sense to be proactive and, in the process, create a better workplace for all.

Her program covers these areas:
* Defines mental illness and the different types
* How to interpret signs of mental illness or increased stress
* How to create a pro-active work environment
* How to conduct serious and needed discussions
* Building in self-care strategies and resilience

Those who have experienced mental illnesses are aware that stigmatization and discrimination DO exist in societal settings. Having a program like this helps to shift thinking into a more compassionate and empathetic point of view, with the knowledge that mental illnesses don't decrease intellectual abilities.

Sometimes mental illnesses can be so difficult to discuss at work that it's like the elephant in the room.

Essentially, a program, like the one that Ms. Armitstead has developed, helps to remove barriers that fear erects from lack of knowledge. Like those who have other physical illnesses, those with mental illnesses have both good days and bad. Those who have learned about heart disease and CPR respond knowledgeably when someone has a heart crisis or heart attack. The same can also happen with those who have mental illnesses. Just think, having a more knowledgeable and compassionate workplace can even prevent someone from having an emotional crisis, and lower the stress level. That's helpful for everyone in a business.