Tag: mental-health

Depression is a community problem, not an individual one

by rajlehl


Until this fundamental point is addressed, all the “mental health days” and corporate wellness packages will have only limited impact.

Anyone who thinks the 287 million (WHO) people worldwide living with depression has nothing to do with them is sorely mistaken.

As a practitioner, when I’m speaking to a group of 50 people, I know that statistically at least 8 of them will be living with depression.
Some will know it.
Some will hide it.
And others won’t even recognise it yet.
This means that someone you work with, are friends with, your child is friends with, a member of your family, or the mum or dad  you see smiling at the school gates is struggling.

When I work with young people, it’s often visible in their posture, in their breath, in the way they carry their eyes. Depression is not rare – it’s woven quietly through our classrooms, offices, and homes.

And it thrives in isolation.

We are built to be tribal beings.

In traditional communities, emotional suffering was seen as a collective imbalance, not an individual weakness. When one person was in distress, the community gathered. Because their pain was a sign something had gone wrong in the web that connected everyone.

Nowadays when it comes to our mental health, the rhetoric may be positive and supportive on the surface – but the message is still very much – this is your problem, go to therapy, sort it out.

Instead of asking “What’s wrong with you?” we should be asking “What’s happened to us?”

And we already know the answer.

We live in a world designed to make excessive amounts of money for a few – because apparently, we need another billionaire megalomaniac more than we need communities that can hold each other.

Meanwhile, millions are quietly drowning in lives that look fine on the surface:

– Raising children alone
– Working multiple jobs
– Barely sleeping
– Choosing between food and bills
– Navigating friendships that are polite but not nourishing

Our culture applauds “mental health awareness” with posters, hashtags, and campaigns.
Companies post about “creating community” and advertise their “wellbeing” packages.
But when someone’s actually struggling – who turns up at their door?
Who checks in after the event, after the photo, after the applause after the therapy session? Who cooks their meals for a while or calls them in the morning when they can’t get out of bed? Who hugs them?

Emotions are contagious. We feel it in crowds, angry mobs, peaceful protests, meditative retreats. The nervous system syncs to the group.
So why, when someone is struggling, do we effectively abandon them?

We heal in connection, not isolation.

It’s about time we change the conversation around depression.

✨ To book me for your next corporate or educational wellbeing event, where I teach practical tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and optimise performance – contact me directly via LinkedIn message or email. ✨

Group Therapy October 5th 2024

by rajlehl

Empowering Minds Across Borders: A Virtual Journey in Mental Health

“Thank you so much. This was an amazing session. Very insightful.”

I’ve never led group therapy before.

I see people 121. But recently, I had the honor of being asked to lead an online group therapy session with individuals from the Black African & Caribbean community. A total of 48 people joined from the UK and African countries including Tanzania, Kenya & Zimbabwe, organised by We Hold a Hand mental health and advocacy platform.

The session was a phenomenal gathering, a collective exploration of resilience, healing, and strength.

“I am super grateful for this session because I’m prone to having anxiety and low self esteem. But her strategies will help me to become better. Even the exercise we started with is great!”

A Shared Space for Healing

Bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, it was evident that mental health challenges do not discriminate—they are universally felt, and so is the need for compassionate support.

The focus was on managing anxiety and stress which is globally endemic in this day and age. Individuals were able to tap into both their own and shared experiences, showing how resilience can be strengthened through connection.

“I learnt a lot today. The information and exercise was simplified and and enlightening. All this applicable in my every day life. Thank you.”

Embracing the Power of Vulnerability

One of the most impactful moments was the willingness of participants to open up about their struggles and fears. This vulnerability took courage, especially in a group setting. It was a reminder of the strength in sharing, especially within a safe and supportive environment. Even for those participants who didn’t share directly, they still experienced the power of collective healing—a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.

“Thank YOU Raj for such a calming session. I loved the first activity and I will definitely incorporate it in my daily routine. Another session with her would be awesome.”

Practical Techniques for Lasting Change

Throughout the session, we focused on practical techniques that participants could carry with them long after the session ended. These techniques are designed to empower individuals with tools they can rely on, helping them navigate moments of stress or overwhelm on their own. The feedback I received showed that these exercises resonated deeply, offering immediate relief and a sense of peace.

“Thank you so much Raj, it’s beautiful how you were able to be there with me during the exercise. I also appreciate the techniques you taught us, I’d love to have another session for sure! Thank you We Hold A Hand for this amazing opportunity with Raj.”

A Shared Path Forward

Leading this group therapy session reminded me of the incredible power of community and the importance of creating accessible spaces for mental health support. When we come together—across borders, languages, and cultures—we can foster an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive.

If you are someone seeking support, or an organization looking to provide something more impactful for your staff than a simple ‘talk therapy’ session or wellbeing lecture, I’m here to support and empower you. Together, we can create positive change, one step at a time.