Shannon Haugh
Project Coordinator
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?
Here at FPP, my role as a Project Coordinator explores into several different areas. From arranging one-to-one sessions, building relationships through networking and word of mouth, facilitating our Women’s Mental Health Group’s and being a listening ear for anyone that walks through our door. No day is the same which is something I love the most!
What connection/experience have you had with mental health?
I have also had my fair share of experience dealing with anxiety and depression which never really goes away, I just have more control of it (sometimes!). A huge low for me was my fixation with thinking about my ending my life for a whole year between 2016/2017. I never acted on this and don’t plan too, but the casual mindset of “not doing it today” because of mundane things like being put on shift in my old job and seeing that I would be in with people I hadn’t worked with in a while, amongst other little reasons where why I carried on. I suppose these thoughts and people kept me alive without realising at the time. Overtime I have managed to overcome things I didn’t think were possible, which gives me strength to continue and ride the waves of the highs and lows head on. I am also honest with my emotions with everyone I meet in a personal and professional setting which helps break the fourth wall and acknowledge the fact we’re all no different to each other.
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?
What connection/experience have you had with mental health?
If you had a day off to recharge your mental health, what would your ideal day look like? What activities would you enjoy?
I find my ideal day to recharge honestly depends on the weather. If it’s a gloomy day then comfort is everything! Sometimes the simplicity of being sat on the couch with my family is more than enough, with low lighting, nicely lit candles and a decent movie/documentary that we can all get invested in. It’s an added bonus when I can hear the rain outside. I love listening to ASMR or anything similar too. In terms of the weather being much brighter, I like to be outdoors surrounded by blue skies and water wherever that may be. I’ve recently discovered a new love in glamping with my boyfriend, I guess the appeal is being “off the grid” and actually taking the time out to relax, reflect and appreciate everything around me.
What's the most memorable piece of advice you've received regarding mental health, and how has it influenced your approach?
“Pat, not Wack.” As in, pat ourselves in the back more compared to beating ourselves up. I actually heard Matty explaining this to someone else. If we are planning to beat ourselves up with negative thoughts and emotions, then make sure to serve our purpose with just as much positive thoughts and emotions too. I find practising this helps takes the intensity away from feeling negative. Instead of becoming your own worst enemy, become your own best advocate. Thanks’ Matty!
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?
What do you enjoy most about working for First Person Project?
What connection/experience have you had with mental health?
I think there’s something wonderful in building a connection with all walks of life, hearing their stories and working together to tackle all obstacles thrown at us. To be a small part of a person’s growth in confidence and health management is something that I don’t take for granted and love to witness, weather that’s through the women’s groups or a one-to-one session.
What positive attributes do you bring to the First Person Project team?
I think my own experience of poor mental health and lived experience’s helps me resonate and connect authentically with others going through their own struggles. I’ve been there on both sides. Now, I want to be there for them. My approach is formal but informal, highlighting the fact that me and a person are equal. I’m not going to tell you what’s wrong in your life, I’m here to remind you of what’s right. Let’s not dwell on what we don’t have and instead focus on what we do, the bit’s we don’t can be turned into smart goals. And we will get there, together! 😊
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?