A psychotherapist at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust shared her expertise on mental health and wellbeing via a TEDx talk.
Kiranjit Janagal, who is a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, received a standing ovation for her Tedx Talk, ‘Keeping People Well – a Prevention vs. Cure Approach’.
TEDx talks are local, independent events that bring people together to share ideas, inspired by the world famous TED conference. Kiranjit took to the stage at the Wolverhampton event.
She was one of 12 speakers chosen out of 100 applicants, where she was able to draw on her decade of experience as a qualified psychotherapist and her experience in management as a clinical operational manager, to highlight the importance of a holistic and preventative approach to mental health.
During her talk, Kiranjit discussed the global state of mental health, current waiting times and shared her own personal story of generational trauma as a South Asian woman, along with her struggles with long COVID. Crucially she emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Kiranjit also used her talk to highlight practical strategies for everyone to stay well and look after their mental wellbeing. She drew on her experience of starting Keeping People Well CIC – a community interest company which educates and empowers young people and adults with the necessary skills to navigate mental health and wellbeing, as well as improving staff wellbeing and fostering more compassionate leadership.
As a psychotherapist in the Primary Care Mental Health Team in Sandwell, Kiranjit is currently supporting the Organisational Development team to provide direct support to staff, such as promoting staff wellbeing, team coaching and advocating for compassionate leadership within the organisation.
Kiranjit said: “My TEDx talk aimed to inspire others to prioritise their mental health and advocate for better mental health practices in their communities and workplaces. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to the larger movement of speaking about ideas worth sharing to promote change.”
Kiranjit’s talk is now available to watch on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/-Qb2Mu0wwfM?si=MZeblWa4EMCnrg7T