Why mental health needs meaningful conversations by Stuart Ottery

What works for me 

There are a few key strategies which now help me manage and improve my mental health. Without question, I believe every single one of us could benefit from them in some way.

This isn’t a rulebook, but here’s how they’ve helped me:

Therapy

Therapy genuinely changed my life.

For me, therapy is as much about talking as it is about being given tools to take away. Real, practical things you can take away and use when your mind starts spiralling or when stress feels overwhelming.

That might be breathing techniques like box breathing (in for four, hold for four, out for four), or grounding exercises such as the 5–4–3–2–1 method where you name five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can feel, two you can smell, and one you can taste. Simple things, but powerful when you need to reset.

Therapy doesn’t mean you have to tell everyone you’re doing it either. You can talk openly about it or keep it completely private. Both are valid. What matters is that it helps you.

Exercise

Exercise plays a huge role in keeping me grounded. It was one of the main reasons behind setting up Clwb Bore Da, a walking and talking group I talk more about below.

Personally, I now take time every morning to walk. It gives me space to be mindful, get some fresh air, move my body and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Sleep

Sleep was something I’ve built into my new routine. I aim for a normal bedtime. I might read or watch a bit of TV, but I no longer lie in bed endlessly scrolling. I’ve deleted several social media apps and stopped using them as a way to distract myself when I’m too exhausted to actually switch off.

That constant doom scrolling doesn’t rest your brain, it drains it. Letting go of that one habit has made a notable difference.

Time for me

Taking time for yourself is a necessity. Go for the run. Read the book. Meet the friend. Sit quietly. Do whatever fills your cup.

For a long time, I felt guilty doing this. Guilty for being out of the house. Guilty for not always being available for others when I was taking time for me. But I’ve learned that if you don’t look after yourself, you eventually have nothing left to give.

Putting yourself first sometimes allows you to be a better version of yourself for everyone else.

Clwb Bore Da

This walking and talking club was created by myself and YellowBrick broker, Gethin Davies. It’s simplistic and brilliant at the same time – simply brilliant some might say. It’s a chance for people to get exercise, clear their mind, chat, switch off and meet new people. It’s so many important things in one short amount of time, all things we can be guilty of dropping down the priority list as our busy lives get busier.

• Clwb Bore Da’s LinkedIn account
• Stuart Ottery’s LinkedIn account
• Gethin Davies’ LinkedIn account

Big Moose

Big Moose is a mental health charity offering accessible support to anyone who needs it. They provide four free therapy sessions to everybody, with additional options to contribute or pay toward sessions if you’re able.

It’s open, inclusive, and accessible. A brilliant place to find additional support, resources, and a reminder that help doesn’t have to feel out of reach.

What makes Big Moose special is how personal it is. It was set up by a father and daughter, rooted in a deeply meaningful story. If you want to know more, I’d really encourage you to visit their website.

We’re all in it together, but it can be a lonely industry

Brokers, BDMs, financial advisors, these are all high-pressure roles. We travel solo, spend hours at desks, talk constantly to clients, listen to other people’s needs, and carry responsibility. Roles that are fulfilling but also exhausting.

I know from experience you can spend days talking without having a real conversation. When a long week is done, shutting off rather than opening up, can often feel like the easier option.