Statistics show people suffering from mental health-related issues are increasing. Daniel Gaebler is an author, keynote speaker, business owner, plumber, husband, father, and by his own admission, a much calmer person than he was. Daniel’s story is real and relatable, and he speaks from the heart. It took Daniel some time to realise he was struggling with his mental health and needed help. In this blog, we will talk more about Daniel’s experiences and how we can promote mental health in the workplace.
Relating to ‘The Centred Tradie’
Daniel’s book, “The Centred Tradie“, became more than just a book; it became a pivotal part of his healing journey, a tangible documentation of his personal growth. He also tells the story of his lost connection with his grandfather, bringing laughter, tears, and self-reflection. It helped him untangle life’s complexities and understand himself better.
Daniel has bravely confronted various forms of trauma that shaped his thinking and led to explosive rage, adversely affecting those around him. This book serves as a testament to his acknowledgment of past faults, including pushing close relationships, especially with his wife and parents, to the brink. Acknowledging the struggle, he faced in recognising and admitting his problems, Daniel’s story becomes a beacon of inspiration for those grappling with their own challenges.
Forming deep connections and relationships
Dan’s perspective emphasises the importance of cultivating self-love and understanding how to love others. The Love Languages concept was crucial in improving his relationship with people, especially his wife. If you’ve never heard of the term ‘love language’, you’ll find it surprisingly simple and relatable, especially in terms of compromise, where both partners benefit.
Trauma can be something so simple
Dan experienced traumatic events at the age of 15, thrusting him into adulthood unexpectedly. However, trauma doesn’t always involve extreme events like finding a body or witnessing a severe accident; it can be rooted in seemingly small incidents from a particular time in someone’s life, influencing their present circumstances. And breaking this chain of influence can lead to newfound freedom and understanding in one’s life.
Why is talking about mental health in the workplace so important?
Understanding thinking patterns and work methods is valuable for both business and personal interactions. Similarly, knowing your weaknesses allows you to seek help in areas where you might struggle; for instance, hiring someone detail-oriented for specific tasks. No one likes to put their hand up and say that they’ve got an issue, but acknowledging a problem is the first step toward a solution. If you recognise a different working style, focus on the benefits it brings to the business.
It boils down to perspective. How you, as a leader, see things can be quite different from how your team members view situations. Empathy and delving deeper into understanding involves actively listening, asking the right questions, and grasping their perspective. It’s all about being a leader and truly understanding your team.
In supporting your team and their mental health, you can start through leadership and support. The leadership part, that’s where the real change is noticeable. In terms of support, you can allow your team to have access to mental health professionals or coaches that you trust. Another way to do this is through recognition of their efforts.
How do you continue this mindset?
Daniel highlights the value of meditation and emphasises practicing gratitude in maintaining this mindset. Take a moment to appreciate life, especially the good things that are happening. Regular exercise is another key to improving mental well-being—it’s about showing up for yourself consistently. These practical tips, backed by research, have kept Daniel mentally healthy and can work for you too.
- Connect with people
- Be active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Be present in mindfulness
The Goal of ‘The Centred Tradie’
Small business in Australia is the biggest employer nationwide. And here’s the thing: if we tweak how bosses think, it could seriously improve the mental health of employees. Fortunately, changing things up is all about simple shifts that make a huge difference.
Let’s talk about a simple change you can make as a leader. How you connect with your team matters, so if you’re the total opposite of someone, it can stress them out big time. So, get to know yourself and learn how to vibe with others. It’s the first step in changing your workplace culture, making your crew happier not just at work, but also at home.
Someone on your team starts acting a bit off. How do you figure out if they’re dealing with some mental health stuff? Look for those subtle changes. Maybe they’re usually right on time, but now they’re dragging. Or they used to be a health nut bringing packed lunches, and suddenly they’re not. Those little shifts can turn into a big deal. As a leader, if you notice, that could save someone from going down a dark spiral.
A recent Amazon review perfectly captures the essence of Daniel’s book: “If you’ve ever felt lost, trapped, or in a dark place, this book is an incredible and vulnerable deep dive into the way out.” It takes courage to share a genuine story filled with emotions, creating a profound connection with readers.
It Takes A Village
Remember, staying connected, being active, learning new skills, giving to others, and being present are the top 5 things to maintain your mental well-being. My three key takeaways from this conversation were that leaders know the power of connection, Leaders dare to share their challenges, and leaders drive impactful change.
As we reflect on the idea that it takes a village to navigate the challenges of mental health in the workplace, Daniel’s book stands as a testament to the power of deep connections and vulnerability in breaking down those barriers.
So, what steps will you take for your mental well-being? Share your thoughts on YouTube, or through our socials. You can also listen to the full podcast episode here and let us know your takeaways from this episode.
If you find yourself struggling with mental health, please reach out to Lifeline or the equivalent in your country. Speak to someone who can help.