May 2nd, 2023

This week is Mental Health Week. The theme this year is #MyStory, which invites people to share their personal journeys. To help break the stigma in speaking about mental health and well-being, this week we are profiling a few staff and students, who shared with us how they support their mental health, and what advice they would give to others.

Name: Kelly Gudas
Position: Principal
School: Sandowne Public School

Q: What sorts of things do you do to support your mental health & wellness?

A: For me, what works best is to schedule time for myself so that I can commit to supporting my own mental health and wellness. It’s taken me a long time to realize how important it is to create daily habits that make a difference. So, it means committing to getting up at 6am daily so that I can fit in a 30 minute solo walk with my two dogs, as well as a daily gratitude practice. By the time I am off to school, I feel alert, energized and optimistic that it is going to be a great day!

Kelly Gudas' dog Marley Kelly Gudas' dog Bear

Kelly’s walking companions, Marley & Bear.

Aside from a daily practice, I have learned how important it is to recognize and create space that is just for me. This could be as simple as running an errand alone, spending time away by myself at the cottage or even sitting in a quiet space at home (when I can find one, that is – I do have 4 teenagers!) to read a good book.

Making time for those activities that bring me joy is also key – paddleboarding, cooking and baking, visiting with good friends and of course spending time with my family. I also immerse myself in my healing practice and have been assisting others since the pandemic began. Connecting with and giving back to my community is very important to me. I appreciate the ability to use my own life experience to support others. Being of service brings me great joy and supports me in fulfilling my life’s purpose.

Kelly's paddleboard on the lake

Paddleboarding is one way Kelly supports her wellness.

Q: Who do you go to when you need support?

A: When I am in need of support, I lean on those in my life who care for me like my spouse and good friends. I also try to pay attention to my body for clues that something is up and I respond to that by going to my chiropractor, massage therapist or naturopath. After all, I know that our emotions can often sit disguised within our bodies as back pain, headaches or insomnia. If I am especially troubled or going through a struggle, I connect with a counselor or some other practitioner that I know can assist me so that I am not managing or coping alone. This was especially helpful through periods of great grief and loss in my life.

Q: What would you say to another staff member who feels like they need support?

A: In my role, I am privileged to be in a position where others often come to me to chat. Sometimes, these conversations are difficult and I often hear afterwards that what makes the most difference to them is not anything I might say; but rather, it is the fact that I listen. If it is appropriate, I try to make a personal connection and share my own learning in a supportive way. It is in this shared vulnerability that can illuminate the path that someone needs to take in moving forward to help themselves with whatever it is that they are going through. Sometimes these conversations are simply a catalyst or a starting point to take those first, yet very important steps. It is empowering when someone realizes that they have done the very thing that they needed by coming and acknowledging out loud that they need some help. After all, we all need support from time to time. We were made to connect. It is a natural part of being human.