Chelsea Pottenger on Why Mental Health Talks Matter
Chelsea Pottenger emphasizes the importance of open discussions on mental health to break the stigma.
If you’re anything like me, this story is all too familiar…
Scrolling through Facebook at breakfast, checking emails during lunch breaks and sitting on the computer whilst watching a movie. We’re constantly doing things, occupying ourselves with anything we can to fill every second of the day. Founder of EQ MINDS Chelsea Pottenger is creating a space of rest by sharing stories, tools and resources to enable us to stop for a minute, breathe and ultimately improve wellbeing.
We’re incredibly thankful for Chelsea’s transparency and honesty as she shares what impact means to her and the experiences that influenced her to found EQ MINDS.
“EQ MINDS is a space for busy minds, seeking out simple tools, to reset, recharge and navigate the challenges of everyday life,” says Chelsea.
“In 2015 after I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Clara, I suffered post natal depression and it nearly took my life. At the time I was lucky that I received the support and services I needed to make a full recovery. Many people are not that fortunate. And so after 15 years working in the corporate world, I set off on my journey to retrain to make sure that others were educated and informed about mental health and mental illness.”
Impact, Defined by Chelsea
“My impact is measured by educating and empowering people to take care and ownership of their mental health and wellbeing. However I see “impact” as the ability to change one person’s life, regarding the speciality or field that may be in.”
The most meaningful impact Chelsea has experienced at EQ MINDS include“the personal touch points where people have shared with me their stories of growth. I have been blessed to receive some truly moving, emails, phone calls and hand written cards from people who have attended our events.”
The Future of Technology and Mindfulness
Technology and mindfulness may come across as contradictory concepts, but they can be complementary in the right setting, which Chelsea explains;
“I believe there is so much potential in this space. We have not even touched the sides of what technology can allow in mindfulness.
“1. Access – It will allow us to educate people across the globe, at a fraction of the cost, giving access to those that previously would never have been able to be reached. Just think about how videos and the distribution of information has already reached people. This will only increase.
“2. The experience – I’m so excited to see what is coming out in AR, VR and other technology enhancements. The user experience will be magnified on so many levels. Research has been focused on addressing specific conditions but I’m hopeful that on top of this we will also see more generic uses explored through robust studies. Imagine educating all our children on the tools of mindfulness and stress using the technology that is coming down the pipeline!”
Exceptional people, making impact.