Why I became a Mental Health First Aider: Ben, Supply Chain Consultant

By Ben McGuinness, Supply Chain Consultant

​While I’ve been at Guidant Global for about three and a half years now (starting as a sourcing specialist for our non-profit organisation client, Action for Children, before undergoing a secondment with the supply chain department), mental health has always been a topic near and dear to my heart.

My mother suffers from various forms of mental health issues and I’ve also lost friends due to this. Growing up in foster care, I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve also battled with my own life challenges.

Having studied my undergraduate in Creative Expressive Therapies at the University of Derby, I’ve worked in special needs school for children and found that immensely rewarding. It’s taught me valuable life lessons on being more caring, more empathetic, more open and more patient with listening to others.

I’ve learnt that I thrive on being able to give back to others, making sure the people around me are well, and accepting that it’s okay to not feel 100% all the time.

Any advice?

• Exercise your brain as much as you can!
  There’s so many ways you can do this. You can go out for a walk, or even spend some time with your kids (if you’ve got kids), family or people that make you feel safe and happy. As a track athlete, I love getting that runner’s high.
  One thing I really recommend is dedicating a power hour to yourself every day. This means switching off all your tech and focus on doing something you really love by yourself (for me, binge watching episodes of Ru Paul’s Drag Race always helps). It’s a great way to recharge your batteries and reset your mind.

• Eat well
  Make sure you eat the right foods. It’s important you have a well-balanced diet. Feeding and nourishing your body is important to feeling well physically and mentally. Especially because I’m an athlete, I know that having a good diet makes all the difference (I’ve represented Team GB and England so I know what I’m talking about 😉)!

• Writing
  Jot some notes down or write it down in a diary and then put it away when the day is done. You can always go back to it to reflect at a later time, and who knows, you might even look back at it and laugh! Writing everything down on paper is more therapeutic than you think. This time last year my diary entry was me moaning about London commuting and here I am about to move into central London.

• Remember, you’re only human
  It’s OK to feel not OK.

​

We’re always on the lookout for like-minded people who care and respect others the way we do. Join our inclusive and supportive family today >