Finding Purpose, Not Quick Fixes: Rethinking Mental Health Support

Mental Health Awareness Month gives us the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect. But too often, it becomes a flood of checklists, well-meaning hashtags and one-size-fits-all advice that barely scratches the surface. It’s become a bit like a band-aid.

This year, I want to offer something more meaningful.

As a psychologist and coach, I see the same pattern unfolding across my work with individuals and corporate clients alike: people are no longer satisfied with quick fixes. They want something deeper. More sustainable. More human.

They're not just looking for ways to manage anxiety or how to reduce stress in the moment. They're searching for something bigger:

It’s about finding purpose.

From Surviving to Seeking: What People Want Now

Over the past two years, I've noticed a shift. Clients who initially reached out for help on how to reduce stress or manage anxiety or burnout are now asking deeper questions. They’re looking for alignment, fulfilment and meaning.

The pandemic disrupted our routines, challenged our assumptions and gave many of us a chance to re-evaluate. Now, people want more than to just "cope". They want to feel alive again. They’re looking at finding purpose.

And that shift has created a new kind of cycle. One that I see over and over again:

Purpose → Regulating Emotions → Attention

Let me explain.

Step One: Finding Purpose

Purpose isn't about grand gestures or quitting your job to travel the world. It's about understanding what truly matters to you and aligning your actions accordingly.

For individuals, that might look like setting boundaries around work hours to protect time with family. For companies, it’s creating a workplace culture that reflects shared values and gives employees room to thrive.

Finding purpose reconnects us to ourselves. It anchors our mental health in something meaningful. And when we have that anchor, everything else gets a little easier to navigate.

Step Two: Regulating Emotions

Once people begin connecting with what matters, they often come face-to-face with the emotional habits that have been running their lives.

That’s where the second step comes in: regulating emotions.

Gone are the days when mental health support was limited to mindset shifts and surface-level positivity. What people need now is holistic support that acknowledges the body, not just the brain.

Emotions are energy. They live in the body. And when we ignore them, they don’t disappear, they build up. Learning to regulate emotions isn’t about controlling them; it’s about listening, understanding and responding in a healthier way.

This is what I teach in both my private sessions and corporate workshops: how to notice what’s happening in your body, name it, and respond in ways that bring calm, clarity and confidence. You can learn more about the corporate sessions I offer here.

Step Three: Training Our Attention

This is where I believe the mental health conversation is heading next: attention.

We are living in what I call the "attention-deficit epidemic." Notifications, information overload and pressure to multitask are eroding our focus and our wellbeing. And in the workplace, this is costing teams their energy, productivity, and creativity.

Knowing how to reduce stress is one part of the solution. But being able to focus your attention on what truly matters is what transforms that knowledge into action.

Training attention is a skill, and like any skill, it needs time, practice and the right support. Whether I'm working with individuals or running webinars for companies, this is one of the most in-demand topics right now.

Togetherness as a Core Mental Health Principle

Another major shift I see is the recognition that we don't heal alone.

Mental health is rooted in connection – to ourselves, to others and to the environments we live and work in.

Now, working with a team of therapists and holistic practitioners, I’ve really seen firsthand the power of togetherness in mental wellbeing.

That’s why I joined The Longevity Center, working alongside medical experts to bring a truly integrated mind-body approach to wellness.

Preventative Care Is the Future of Mental Health

Many corporate clients ask me, "How do we support our teams in a meaningful way?"

The answer isn’t another mental health day or stress tip sheet.

It’s a shift toward preventative, practical and people-centred support. That means:

Offering emotional regulation workshops, not just yoga classes
Creating space for conversations around meaning and purpose
Teaching employees how to manage anxiety by tuning into their nervous system, not just pushing through
Prioritising attention training as a strategic tool

This kind of care goes beyond performance. It’s about building workplaces where people want to be and where they can thrive.

For Deeper Insight: Listen In

I spoke about these exact ideas on the Full Timers Club Podcast, where we explored how our emotional state, sense of purpose and ability to focus are all connected.

We discussed what really helps when you're stuck, why high performers often struggle silently and the rising tide of attention overwhelm we're all feeling. It's full of honest conversation and small, practical steps you can take right away. 🎧 Take a listen.

If you’re navigating burnout, wondering what comes next, or simply want to feel more in control again, I think you’ll find it helpful.

Finding Purpose Beyond a Band-Aid Approach

Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about raising standards.

Whether you’re someone trying to make sense of your emotions or a company trying to better support your team, the path forward is clear:

Reconnect to support finding purpose
Learn about regulating emotions with both body and mind
Train your attention to protect what matters most

If you’re curious about what this could look like for you or your organisation, I offer a free 15-minute intro call. Let’s talk about real solutions, not just another Band-Aid.

Because your mental health deserves more than a checklist.

Finding Purpose: Real Mental Health Support That Works