mental health first aid.

I’ve got a bit of a habit when it comes to collecting certifications (hello, imposter syndrome!)—and now that I’m no longer working for a company with a generous learning budget, it’s getting a little harder to justify.

But I’m so glad I signed up for my latest course with ensa Switzerland: First aid for mental health.

I figured it would be all about learning how to handle crisis situations and connect people with support—and it was—but what stuck with me was how much it focused on breaking the stigma around mental health.

I’ve dealt with tough times with anxiety, and for a long while, I kept it to myself. I worried it might change how people saw me. But this course reminded me that talking about it is so important. When we open up, we create a safe space for others to do the same.

It also hit me that I’m not nearly as kind to myself as I would be to someone else. I often think I should just get over it and have little to no patience when I get in my own way.

But since I started accepting it, things have gotten so much better (oh, and with therapy, of course).

And that’s exactly the kind of space I want to create for others—a place where it’s safe to be vulnerable and find the support you need.

If you work with people, this course is absolutely worth checking out. And if you’re dealing with changes and could use extra support, I’m here. Feel free to reach out anytime.

about the author:

Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.