Self-care - what it is and why it is important

Get Real: Talking mental health & disability

We’re continuing our conversations about mental health and ways we can take care ourselves, and each other.

It’s been quite a year. The COVID-19 pandemic has been draining for people in so many ways and as a consequence of the sudden change to how we have to live our lives and mental health has been at the forefront of a national conversation like never before.

This is our final episode for 2021 and we thought it would be timely to talk about self-care – what is self-care? How do we practice self-care and why is it important?

Joining us for this episode is Donna Markham and Lynne Souquet who both have lived experience of implementing self-care into their lives while managing careers that support the wellbeing of others.

Lynne shares that a “wake up call” for her was an unexpected health episode this year that forced her to reckon with how she was looking after herself.

“I'll admit that I was probably the role model for how not to do self-care,” Lynne shares.

“Due to not looking after myself, I wasn't listening to my body…I was forced into practising self-care and talking to others about it”.

Lynne says that the saying “make time for your wellness, or you will be forced to make time for your illness” is something she reminds herself of often, and shares with other people.

Donna shares that she prioritises self-care so she can be the best for herself and her family.

“We shouldn't wait until it's too late. Another great analogy is thinking about fitting your own oxygen mask before you fit someone else's, because you can't care for others unless you care for yourself,” Donna says.

“We've just got to normalise it (self-care). So, part of normalising is talking about it.”

About our guests

Donna is a qualified occupational therapist, an adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University and also a member of our ermha365 board and chair of our Practice Governance, Quality and Safety Committee.

Donna is Victoria’s former Chief Allied Health Officer and has done extensive work and leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic around conversations within organisations about the importance of self-care and protecting and supporting the wellbeing of the workforce. Recently Donna commenced her own business, Disequilibrium, coaching and supporting professional women in the workplace.

Lynne Souquet is ermha365’s Practice Leader for Psychosocial Support Services. Lynne has a Diploma in Professional Counselling and has worked across various roles in disability and mental health, all involving assisting vulnerable people who have physical and/or mental disabilities, often from trauma.

Lynne is passionate about empowering people to gain the confidence and connections to live their life the best way they can and as independently as they can.

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode, you can call:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or go to https://www.lifeline.org.au/

ermha365 provides a range of mental health services designed to help people experiencing mental health challenges to thrive in the community.