Courtney Davis
WWLF Co-Director of Education,
Vice-President at MD7
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on October 10 to raise worldwide awareness of mental health issues. This year, WWLF hosted a webinar panel titled, “Carrying a Heavy Load,” to bring awareness to World Mental Health Day and specifically how it relates to women in our industry. The panel was made up of a team of female leaders in our industry, as well as a mental health expert.
Panelists included:
Carolyn Hardwick (Moderator) – President at Stratis, Inc. (WWLF Vice President and Past President)
Amanda Cahill – Sr. Director, Business Development at Network Connex (Past WWLF President)
Ashli Fuslier – Multi-Tasking Queen at SMW Engineering (Current WWLF Secretary)
Patti Ringo – (WWLF Founder and Past President)
Waverly Cole, MFTI – Family Therapist
As women, we often find ourselves shouldering a substantial mental load as we navigate through a myriad of responsibilities. World Mental Health Day provided a timely opportunity to shed light on the challenges we face and explore effective strategies to alleviate the mental burden. Patti Ringo's insightful advice, "Learn to use the tools all around you to simplify your life. Your phone, your computer, written notes, Alexa…whatever you like the best. It may feel a little time-consuming and overwhelming to spend time getting your devices to cater to your life, but ultimately it is an investment in your mental health," serves as a wonderful suggestion for women seeking balance in their lives.
In a world where technology is omnipresent, and especially considering the industry in which we work, Patti’s words resonate. The demands on women have multiplied, encompassing professional pursuits, familial responsibilities, and personal aspirations. The tools she mentions—phones, computers, and virtual assistants—can be harnessed to streamline tasks, manage schedules, and create a more efficient and organized lifestyle. By utilizing these resources, women can regain some control over their time and energy, promoting mental well-being.
Amanda Cahill, a proponent of intentional living and mental health, underscores the pivotal role of mornings in shaping the trajectory of our days. "How you start your day is everything, from the thoughts you think as soon as you wake up to the actions you take after getting out of bed. Having a consistent morning routine has been crucial in helping me achieve success, as well as the calmness and happiness I carry throughout the day. I’ve found that if I can control the beginning of my day, I have a much better chance of controlling the middle and end of my day." Amanda’s wisdom emphasizes the power of intentional morning routines in promoting success, tranquility, and overall mental wellness.
For many of us, the concept of a morning routine might seem like a luxury amid chaotic schedules. However, Amanda’s words serve as a gentle reminder that investing time at the start of the day is an investment in mental health. This could include activities such as mindfulness exercises, like the meditation led at the end of the panel by Lauren Goff, Environmental Service Group Leader at Ramaker and WWLF Co-Director of Ways & Means. By consciously shaping the early hours of the day, we can set a positive tone that ripples throughout the rest of our daily endeavors.
Mental Health Resource List
