I believe

I believe that dunking a scotch finger biscuit in your tea is the best kind of dessert, I believe there is nothing better than the smell of rain and freshly cut grass. I believe in wearing sunscreen everyday – even when it is cloudy. Finally, I believe that everyone deserves access to better healthcare, closer to home.

2.4 million Australians aged 18 and over have experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress – which can cause unpleasant feelings or emotions. This Mental Health Week and the weeks beyond, it is important that Australians address their mental wellbeing. We spoke to Sophie, Psychosocial Recovery Coach for the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support program (CPS) about what she believes in and what it means to be a Recovery Coach for CPS.

“I believe that talking about our mental health can be overwhelming and uncomfortable for some, but applying a person-centred approach is a respectful way to help participants feel comfortable,” Sophie said.

In the tearoom at the Marathon Health Dubbo office, busy workers wander in and out, topping up their cups with caffeine. I sit with Sophie by the window and over a cup of tea and a scotch finger we discuss the complexities of mental health, and how working with her participants is about understanding their goals.

“Their opinion matters, and they need to have control over the decisions made around their mental health.”

The CPS program takes a person-centered approach to support, providing one-on-one coaching for people with enduring mental illness. Our recovery coaches are goal focused and have strong beliefs when it comes to the importance of a positive recovery plan.

“Recently a participant of mine was looking for counselling support and was faced with many barriers that we had to overcome.

These barriers came in many forms like lack of confidence, social anxiety around accessing support, and feeling overwhelmed discussing their mental health.”

It’s barriers like this that are all too real for many Australians’ who experience mental distress. It is important that everyone has a positive support system – whether it be a friend, recovery coach, parent or teacher that can help with their mental wellbeing journey.
Once these barriers were respected and understood, Sophie was able to connect the participant to mental health support.

“This was a positive outcome for the participant who reached their main goal of accessing a mental health service. It is important as a CPS Coach that participants know they are safe, seen and heard. I believe that my colleagues and I are doing the best we can to advocate against social stigma.”

This Mental Health Week, we encourage a conversation over a cuppa and a scotch finger and remember to check in with a loved one.