Mental Health Awareness – The power of kindness
Taking care of our Mental Health is one of the most important things we can do during a time when the world seems to be falling apart all around us. One of the ways we can do that is by showing kindness.
Kindness has the ability to unlock our shared humanity. It strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is also a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health.
Dr Jurgen Hoffmann, President of the Social Work and Psychology Council recently joined the MYD Heart show to talk about the power of kindness in strengthening mental health.
Touching on the relationship between kindness and mental health, he said; “If you look at the mental health awareness issue you will realize that kindness is a very important theme for the current times we face in the world”.
He adds that the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and families has caused a lot of anxiety on many people with increased fear and worry about the future.
These negative psychological responses can be countered through the concepts of kindness though.
“Kindness, which is the quality of being warmhearted, considerate, humane and sympathetic can make for a good counter to a situation where there isn’t much clarity on what the future holds,” says Dr. Hoffmann.
Bringing back the basic emotions of kindness in a troubled individual’s life helps them to shift focus from despair while bringing stability in their lives.
So share a little kindness with those around you. You might just be the reason they have a better day.
Catch MYD Heart on 99FM, Mondays to Fridays on ‘The Pulse’ at 17h35.
Listen to the full interview here: