RESPONDING TO MENTAL DISTRESS — THE FIRST STEP TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

How do you identify someone who isn’t coping well? How should you approach them? A new two-hour workshop from the Arts Wellbeing Collective introduces common mental health problems and equips you with basic techniques to enable supportive conversations at work.

How lucky are we to be able to work in a creative industry where storytelling plays a pivotal role in our daily work! It’s fulfilling and exciting but like any profession, comes with its challenges. Long hours and future work insecurity are two of the biggest challenges that can significantly impact our mental wellbeing. And for performers, there’s often the requirement to delve deep into complex emotions which can be mentally and emotionally taxing.

A study conducted in 2022 by Swinburne’s Centre for Social Impact has shed light on the mental health landscape within the creative community. The study revealed that creatives experienced high to very high levels of psychological distress, exceeding those of the general population by more than four times. This alarming statistic is accompanied by elevated rates of mental health conditions, suicide, unsafe working conditions, and the repercussions of the ongoing pandemic.

As a response to the above study, Arts Wellbeing Collective recognised the urgent need to raise further awareness within our industry. Like the work of the MEAA Wellness Committee, they aim to inform and support peers and patrons regarding mental health issues and how to foster a more supportive environment for all. Their latest initiative, Responding to Mental Distress is a two-hour workshop designed to equip you with the language and skills needed to engage in meaningful mental health conversations. The workshop employs the ‘Ask, Listen, Connect and Care’ model, providing you with the confidence and tools to initiate crucial conversations and help individuals access the support they require.

This workshop is not just limited to performers, crew members and management; it’s valuable for anyone working in customer service or front of house, enabling participants to effectively support patrons during moments of crisis. It serves as a solid foundation for all industry professionals to gain a better understanding of mental health and its impact on the workforce. It’s an excellent precursor if you’re considering Mental Health First Aid training, helping you determine if this journey is right for you.

I am incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to facilitate this course for the Arts Wellbeing Collective, and I’m looking forward to seeing you in the room or connecting with you online in the near future.

We have several online and in person opportunities to attend this workshop coming up this year. The next opening for this workshop to the general public is March 6, 2024. Bookings and further information here. Be sure to join the Arts Wellbeing Collective for free to access their discount.

Additionally, this course is offered to workplaces for groups of 10+ people both face to face and online, so please reach out to Claire Pearson, Learning & Engagement Manager at The Arts Wellbeing Collective to discuss this option at artswellbeingcollective@artscentremelbourne.com.au\

Article by Kathy Lepan-Walker, owner of Creative Wellbeing Support, a MEAA Wellness Committee co-chair, Equity Federal Delegate/National Performers’ Committee member and performer for more than 30 years.