Taking a leap of faith to become the support to others that I needed in my own life.
For the longest time, to me, the term 'health coach' sounded ambiguous at best, prompting judgemental thoughts of wannabe psychologists posting inspirational quotes and pictures of smoothies on social media everyday. Harsh, I know.
It wasn't until I felt at my wits end in recovery from an eating disorder that I stumbled across a health coach demonstrated great empathy to what I was experiencing. I felt like I had already exhausted all of my options; Psychologists, counsellors, spiritual guides, friends, family, self help books, nutritionists, eating disorder treatment programs....
Was I just doomed for a life of struggle? What was the point in dishing out more time, energy and money just to find myself back at the same old place again? Holding onto a dash of hope, I decided to put my preconceived notions aside to explore this further.
It turns out that it was this health coaching experience which had the greatest impact on my wellbeing. It sparked something within me to consider what I had to offer others' in their own journeys, and suddenly I wasn't so judgemental of the gift a health coach really can be.
Firstly, this particular coach listened - and I mean really listened. With no agenda to give advice, put me on a plan of some sort, or give homework to change my behaviours. I felt HEARD, which in its simplicity is actually quite rare for many of us to experience.
Secondly, her life experience allowed for a connection between us in my health struggle, one that I couldn't find in my many health professional appointments. She had herself battled a mental illness to become healthy and empowered to support others through their own battles. I felt UNDERSTOOD.
Thirdly, our collaborations equipped me to become resourceful in dealing with daily challenges. She kept things simple, and ensured I trusted that I had the power within to make any changes I wanted. I felt STRONG. Finally, throughout this journey as a client, there was a gradual removal of fear, rigidity, restrictions and control. I felt HOPEFUL.
I spent quite some time contemplating these changes in my health, and how I wanted so much to be the support to others that I really needed. I soon realised that I was already coaching clients in health, I just hadn’t put a label on the process, or analysed the importance of my role. You see, I was a high school Health teacher. It was natural for many students that I be the one they came to, to share their own health and wellbeing journeys. This allowed me to become a source of support and security in their lives over the years. The general demands of teaching became greater each year, creating less space for relationship and connection with my students. I remember rushing around the school yard often telling those wanting a listening ear that ‘I’m so sorry, I’ve got to go, I’ll try and find you later’. So many teachers are wonderful at finding this balance in their profession, but for me, I knew I wanted to focus solely on their wellbeing. I strongly believe school students need more support. The research tells us so. They are dealing with much more than many of them are able to cope with.
In the last 15 years, researchers have given us increasingly alarming statistics on a sharp and steady increase in childhood mental illness that is now reaching epidemic proportions: • 1 in 5 children have mental health problems • A 43% increase in ADHD has been noted • A 37% increase in adolescent depression has been noted • There has been a 200% increase in the suicide rate in children aged 10 to 14
Why is it that as a society we can make concerted efforts to focus on the importance of prevention over cure when it comes to physical health, yet our mental health doesn’t seem to warrant the same level of importance? Why must we wait until someone is struggling so greatly to offer support such as psychologists and nutritionists, counsellors and personal trainers? It seems almost odd for people to think of visiting a health professional to prevent mental health concerns. This is the change I want to be.
For the record, I don't actually like the term health 'coach' - To me, it alludes to a sense of power or authority over my 'player' or my 'team'. Unfortunately though, I can't go around making up my own titles and hoping to still get business. So despite being a qualified coach, I want to be thought of more as a facilitator in your health journey. YOU are the expert of your life; YOU have the power, the tools, the qualities and free will to play your own game toward self-efficacy.
Whatever your thoughts on health coaches, consider where you are at in your own health journey and where you want to be. Do you need a bridge to get you there?
Alyssa.
Redwood Wellbeing
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