Where to Find The Mentality Project
Website: www.thementalityproject.co.uk
Email: Hello@thementalityproject.co.uk
Instagram: @thementalityproject_
Facebook: @thementalityproject20
Twitter: thementalityproject1
About The Mentality Project
AJ: The Mentality Project was created in August 2020 by Abbie Jenkins and Aaron Armatage. I am a mental health nurse and Aaron worked for a preventive health company prior to Covid-19. We're a couple who live in West Sussex, UK and we were finding that every conversation we had involved mental health. The impact of covid = mental health. The why behind people discriminating = mental health. Why some people spoke up and what made others feel ashamed and quiet = mental health. Everything can lead back to it. We're not talking about mental health illness or disorder but simply someone's mental health. Just like physical health, you need it to walk, talk, play, work, function, etc.
The Organization
HS: How long has your organization been running?
AJ: We flung open our doors very early days and we've been running for ten months.
HS: What is your Mission Statement?
AJ: We want to help change the way society approaches mental health, end the stigma that surrounds it, and get people to have not just honest conversations about what's going on in their minds but understand what they can do to help, themselves or others. We want people to know just how important their mental health is and how important they are. We all have mental health, some, have mental health illnesses or disorders. We want to remove those barriers to change because let's face it, there are plenty out there.
HS: What was the idea that sparked the creation of your organization?
AJ: Another failed attempt at reading a self-help book. I loved the concept of the book and after a few chapters had some activities to try out in my life and then a few months later the book resurfaced and I went 'oh yeah - I forgot I was reading that', thus the cycle continued. I knew that learning about ourselves, implementing new techniques and skills into our lives can make a really big impact on how we feel but couldn't keep myself accountable. That's when TMP was born, our mental health self-help books are delivered every 2 or 4 weeks to help keep people accountable. They're 28-32 pages so don't feel too daunting, they're full of a good mixture of information about mental health and real opportunities to make changes. Life gets busy and we shouldn't feel bad for forgetting but we all need help to prioritize ourselves and our own wellbeing. That's exactly how we help.
HS: What did the startup of your organization look like?
AJ: Excitement, anxiety, and lots of 'what does that even mean!?' We were so pumped, full of ideas and energy and so unaware of how to set up a business. But I loved that. We worked together as a team and we figured it out. We have learned so much over the past ten months and continue to learn and grow each day and even when the days are long, both of our self-confidence has skyrocketed because we know if we put our minds to something, we will get it done. I also don't think I've ever high-fived as much as I have over the past ten months!
HS: What are some of your organization's accomplishments?
AJ: We've received some amazing feedback from some samples we sent out and the one that sticks with me is how we completely transformed someone's outlook of themselves and their mental health that they realized they were enough. They mattered and they could overcome the darkness of depression. I think we have to be kind to ourselves and say that every step we take is an accomplishment. We focus on Little Wins here at TMP, what can we do every day that gives us a sense of accomplishment. Setting up a business can be incredibly daunting but if you remember to slow down and enjoy the ride, you're already winning.
HS: What are some of your goals in the upcoming year?
AJ: We aim to get our workbooks in front of more faces. We are totally aware this is a new concept and people are hesitant but as soon as they see it and start working on it they understand the impact it has. Our current workbooks from The Depression and Anxiety series are for everyone and suit aged 14+ but we aim to start exploring another series or one-off for schools and/or colleges to aid in the work they are doing to help the next generation of kids notice, improve and maintain good mental health. We are really dedicated to being as plastic-free and friendly to our planet as possible, which is more challenging for small businesses than I thought it'd be, but we're focusing on what we can do, rather than beating ourselves up for what we can't.
HS: How did you manage to gain the following that you have now?
AJ: Aaron runs our social media accounts mostly. He doesn't have his own social media so has had to learn pretty quick the ins and outs of each. We realized it's about the content we put out having an impact. Our emotions are what we respond with and if something makes you feel something you get curious and want to know more. Also, getting to know those pesky algorithms on socials does help.
If you're struggling with your mental health right now, please say it loud. Whether that's acknowledging to yourself or to someone you're close to. We've been told for generations we must keep our emotions to ourselves but times are changing and you do not have to be silenced. Speak out. Work on yourself for your self.
The Founder:
Abbie Jenkins
HS: Tell us a bit about yourself.
AJ: I'm 28 years of age and I still don't know who I am. I am a work in progress and that's okay. I love being outside, and by that, I don't mean hiking, I mean sitting outside, with a book or another random hobby I've decided I'll try out. I'm an introvert but recognize I need a healthy dose of people, just like I need vitamin D.
HS: What was your personal reason for founding this organization?
AJ: My mental health took a nosedive when I started university in 2013. I'd always been defined as shy or quiet, but anxiety really came into the spotlight during my first year which then led to poisonous depression and really low self-worth. I've been battling, fighting, loving my mental health ever since. The skills I've learned over the past 8 years are the reason I'm still alive today.
HS: In the early stages, who would you say were the most influential and helped bring your organization to where it is today?
AJ: The co-founder of TMP, Aaron. My fiancee and however cheesy this may sound, my best friend. And Google. Google searches at 1 am, what does... mean?
HS: If you have one, what is your personal experience with mental health?
AJ: This is a longer story than I have the words for but what I have learned about my personal experience with mental health is that what works for me, may not work for someone else. What makes me feel better may make someone else feel worse. We are all so unique and have different needs. That's why we have to be given as much information and opportunity to learn new skills as possible to find what works best for us.
HS: If you yourself don't suffer from mental health issues but know someone who does, how do you help them to fight their battles?
AJ: Actively listen to what they are saying. Let them talk but don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't pretend to understand if you don't. Validate how they feel. Show up for them.
Mental Health in The Mentality Project
HS: What does mental health mean to you & your organization?
AJ: Mental health means everything to us at The Mentality Project. It is why we're here. You can't escape mental health, bury it or run from it. We have to own it. Mental health is what we do and is at the heart of every decision we make.
HS: Why is your organization an advocate for mental health?
AJ: Because we don't want people to continue dying from mental health illnesses or disorders.
HS: How are you trying to end the stigma of mental health?
AJ: By being open. By having those uncomfortable conversations. By showing people we ALL have mental health and it's not a bad thing. The stigma has been created by years of oppression and we're growing in a world that is fighting back. We're all slowly standing up and saying enough is enough. I am not okay and there's nothing wrong with that.
HS: Why should mental health be talked about within the community?
AJ: Mental health needs to be talked about within the community because it's in the community. You can't avoid mental health, it's in every conversation you have or every decision you make.
HS: What are some things you and your team are working on currently?
AJ: We're always working on our current series The Depression and Anxiety Series. The beauty of our product for us is that we can make adjustments and changes when we get feedback from our customers. We're exploring how to integrate a new series of workbooks into schools. We're also exploring how to integrate a one-off workbook or series for GPs in the UK.
HS: What are other resources you have used to learn more about or support mental health?
AJ: MIND website is a great resource. Apps such as CALM or Headspace give you a much-needed time out. This fantastic free resource called the great outdoors is one of my personal favorites. You can breathe outside away from distractions like you just can't do at home looking at a screen.
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