In conversation with Jessica Baker

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, we sat down for a Q&A with Jessica, mental health advocate and founder of Everyday Solitude.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health space, a postgraduate certificate in psychology plus six years of study behind her, Jessica brings plenty of real experience and wisdom to share with us.

If someone is struggling but doesn’t know where to start, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them?

I would tell them to just get vertical! Getting up, and taking care of themselves is the first place to start! It might look as simple as cleaning your teeth, but it is all the small things that add up.

You often talk about balance - what does it really mean to you, and what do people often get wrong about it?

For me balance looks like living in line with my values and nourishing the entire grid of my life. Making sure that I am distributing my energy evenly to things that I care about ensures that I am not becoming too obsessed or hyper fixated on just one area of my life!

What are some small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference to your mental health?

Movement, silence, sunshine and compassion!

Are there any online trends around mental health that you disagree with or think people should be cautious of?

Too many! I think that anything that sells you the idea that genuine change or healing can happen overnight is lying to you. Try to take a step back when reading online mental health discourse and take what applies to you, leaving the rest.

As always, seek professional help when in need and open up to those around you.

This year’s theme for MHAW is ‘Top Up Together’. What does that look like for you personally?

It looks like doing things to nourish our mental health within the community! Isolation is good for no one.

Learn more about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme “Top Up Together” here.