Diem Pham - Mental Health Awareness Week
Meet Diem Pham, communications officer for the East West Rail Alliance, and mental health champion. Diem has been a mental health champion since 2018 and wanted to get involved to help her colleagues through difficult times and provide a support network. To find out more about why she became a champion, we asked her a few questions.
Why did you become a mental health champion?
I have struggled with mental health for years, and I have always appreciated the support out there to help people in difficult times. We all have mental health, and everyone reacts differently to the situation they are in, but having somebody to listen can make a huge difference, and this is the reason I became a mental health champion.
How do you find being a mental health champion?
I am proud to be a mental health champion, and I take pride in that people feel that they can confide in me.
What does mental health mean to you?
Mental health to me is about being kind to yourself, and to others, to make a difference.
What do you think about VolkerRail's approach to mental health?
I think it’s great; we have a supportive team of mental health champions who are running campaigns to raise awareness and make themselves visible to the business.
Why do you think it's important to prioritise our mental health?
I understand that it’s so important to prioritise your mental health, as your mind is a powerful thing – it can be your friend one day, and also your enemy the next. With the right support, you can better deal with your challenges.
How do you prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing?
I have a routine that I try and keep to but some days are harder than others. I always make sure I have my downtime, playing on my Nintendo Switch, catching up with family, and writing in my planner.
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is anxiety this month. Have you ever experienced this and if so, how do you overcome it?
I have anxiety, but I manage it with medication. In the past, I have had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and general counselling.. I have learned to have boundaries in place, and for me, a change of environment has also helped.