Preparing for Mental Health Challenges When You're Well

In this conversation, Narelle speaks with Dawn about mental health—what it truly encompasses and how we can support ourselves proactively. They explore the importance of developing strategies while we're feeling well to help navigate future difficult times, as these resources often become harder to access when we're struggling. Dawn shares her extensive knowledge as a mental health professional while offering compassionate, practical wisdom about self-care, kindness, and mental wellness.

In This Episode

• Understanding mental health as a dynamic, individual spectrum rather than a binary "well vs. ill" concept
• How cultural differences shape our understanding and approach to mental health
• The power of self-awareness and self-compassion as preventative mental health practices
• Building a personal mental health "toolkit" to draw upon during challenging times
• The importance of kindness—both to ourselves and others—as a foundation for wellbeing

Quotable Moments

"We all have mental health. We don't all have mental illness. We've probably all got mental health challenges along the way because it changes, it's flexible, it's transient, it's dynamic." - Dawn

"You're the most important person in the room and you're responsible for you." - Dawn

"The worst thing that you can do is nothing. Give something a go, even if it's something really, really simple." - Dawn

About Our Guest

Dawn Reid is the Coordinator of The Living Room at Edith Cowan University—a low-barrier mental health service dedicated to supporting student wellbeing. She brings extensive experience as a Registered Nurse, Credentialed Mental Health Nurse, and educator. With a background spanning forensic mental health, community care, inpatient wards, and emergency nursing, Dawn holds a Nursing Diploma, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master's degrees in both Mental Health Nursing and Research Practice. Her diverse experience and compassionate approach make her a valuable voice in mental health conversations.

Connect With Us

• Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies
• Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

Other Links of Interest

This could be why you're depressed or anxious by Johann Hari

 A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.