Open Letter: Mental Health and Building Resilience.
Hey Mates,
Let’s talk about mental health. It’s one of those topics that can feel heavy, but it’s also one of the most important aspects of our overall health. We spend so much time focusing on things like diet and exercise (and yes, they’re super important), but mental health often doesn’t get the same spotlight ( maybe cause it doesn’t get as many likes as a fit check?) And yet, we all know it’s foundational to how we live, work, and connect with others.
Why Resilience Matters
Resilience is like a muscle – if you don’t use it, it weakens. It’s not about avoiding tough times; it’s about how we bounce back when life doesn’t go as planned. Stress, loss, and unexpected challenges are part of life, but our ability to adapt and recover is what defines our mental and emotional wellbeing.
In my twenties, I faced my own test of resilience after a life-changing close call at a fatal shark attack while surfing in the South West of Australia (Basically, I was involved in a shark attack and I got very lucky. Unfortunately, I helped pull the body to shore. Sorry for the bluntness). The physical impact was one thing, but the emotional aftermath was something else entirely. PTSD challenged my sense of identity and stability, and it wasn’t an easy road. But through time, support, and learning to be okay with not being okay, I found ways to rebuild.
That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about being unshakable; it’s about finding ways to move forward, even when it feels impossible.
The Foundations of Resilience
From my personal journey and the work we do at, I’ve come to believe that resilience is built on a few key pillars:
Connection: Surround yourself with people who understand and support you. Family, friends, and community can provide a sense of stability and belonging.
Purpose: Having a reason to get up in the morning, whether it’s a personal goal or something bigger, helps keep us grounded.
Self-Care: Taking time to rest and recharge isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Small acts of self-care can make a big difference.
Mindfulness: Practices like meditation, journaling, or simply taking a deep breath can help us stay present and navigate stress.
Professional Support: Seeking therapy or talking to a trusted professional can provide tools and perspectives that make a real difference.
How Healthcare Can Better Support Mental Health
In traditional healthcare, mental health is often approached by treating the symptom with a pill to numb the pain rather than addressing its root cause. While medication can be an important tool, it’s rarely the full solution. Mental health requires a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, and a commitment to holistic care.
At Mode, we’re working to prioritise mental health alongside physical health, because there’s simply no other way.
That means:
Creating personalised care plans that address the whole person, not just symptoms.
Providing spaces where patients feel safe and supported.
Encouraging open conversations about mental health as a natural part of overall care.
To be frank, building resilience doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about the small things:
Call a friend who makes you laugh. Just say gday and see whats going on. It helps.
Always try to reflect on one positive thing from your day, no matter how small.
Find moments of joy, whether it’s through a walk, a favourite hobby, or a good book.
Life is unpredictable, and mental health is complex. But we don’t have to navigate it alone. Resilience is something we can nurture, together. By fostering a culture that values connection, care, and growth, we can build stronger, more supportive communities. And in the process, we can help one another, no matter what challenges come our way.
Start Your Health Journey Today
At Mode, we believe everyone deserves access to care that looks at the bigger picture. By asking your GP for a referral or booking directly with us, you’re taking the first step toward a healthier, brighter future.
Need to chat? give our team a call to work out how Mode can help you.
