With more and more years of experience in this area, we see there has been a movement towards a both/and definition of this rather than an either/or approach. As many people know for themselves, being well or healthy is not just about an absence of illness, physical or mental. In order to experience ourselves as well or in a state of wellbeing, it is important to have positive feelings about ourselves and our lives. Being able to function as we would want to and to have a sense of community, belonging or social wellbeing is another contributing factor.
In Canada this has been defined as:
The capacities of each and all of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections, and personal dignity.
At EASE Wellbeing we believe there are a number of factors that contribute to a sense of wellbeing. These include but are not limited to:
- Eating well
- Sleeping well
- Having fulfilling activities
- Such as work
- Leisure
- Exercise
- Social/community experiences
- Inspiring/motivating resources
- Having personal hobbies that are rewarding and give you a sense of your own valuable self that may include relaxing i.e. taking time to engage in activities for your own nourishment.
- Being in a place of self-acceptance is an important position that enables a healthy stance in life. This does not deny that there are ups and downs or that sometimes life can be good and at other times it can be hard, acceptance is a statement that recognises that we have strengths and weaknesses.
EASE Wellbeing can provide a space in which you can explore how you are coping through a collaborative conversation with one of our therapists. We have a dedicated team of people with many years of experience bringing a helpful attitude towards this much needed (and sometimes scant) place to talk, think, understand and restore one’s sense of wellbeing.
However, mental illness or lack of wellbeing is NOT any of the following:
Mental illness is NOT:
- A passing phase
- Personal sign of weakness
- Attention seeking behaviour
- Contagious like a cold
- A normal part of life
- Imaginery or just ‘in your head’
Be well, be engaged, talk to us and maintain wellbeing to thrive not just survive.
