If you have anxiety, then you are likely familiar with the feeling of racing thoughts. A thought can appear suddenly, brought forth by the smallest of triggers. It then links to another thought, and then another one, and so on. Just like a frog leaping from one lily pad to the next, and the next, and the next...

Growing up, I never knew that anyone would bother to listen to me. Many years later, I am now recovering from depression. The process of treatment and recovery has not been the smoothest, shortest, or easiest. But wherever I turned, I found that being listened to and heard helped me best to work through what I had buried in my head. So, I have been on a journey to learn to listen.

It’s natural to judge people quickly based on their facial expressions, mannerisms, and behaviour. These implicit judgements, formed automatically based on observation, help us navigate social interactions. But while first impressions are powerful, they don’t tell the whole story. Over time, as we share experiences and truly get to know someone, our initial perceptions can change dramatically.

Ever feel like you’re just “faking it” at work? Like any moment, someone might realise you’re not as capable as they think? That’s imposter syndrome — a common experience of self-doubt and feeling like a fraud, despite evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

Autism, characterised by differences in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities, shapes how individuals perceive and interact with the world. These differences, while integral to autistic identity, can create significant stressors in a society often designed for neurotypical individuals. This disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, and overwhelm, which can contribute to mental health challenges for autistic individuals.

According to a global study, 69% of employees said their mental health was attributed to their managers – that's on par with the impact of a spouse or partner (69%)! To put that in perspective, it's significantly greater than the influence of doctors (51%) or therapists (41%). This reveals a powerful truth: managers are pivotal in shaping the daily work experience and the overall well-being of their teams.