Nick McAllister recently interviewed Reflections from a Redhead creator, Janine Defontaine, on his blog about all things mental health, mentoring and blogging.
Q1. Do you think you are living a more authentic version of yourself now versus when you first began blogging about your life?
Most definitely.
When I started blogging, I was pretty shy and introverted, was in a different career I hated, was incredibly stressed as I wasn’t living according to my values, and was lost. But, over the last eight years, so much has changed, and I do credit my blog for helping me to do this – including changing careers! It’s been a fantastic journey (yep, I went there with the ‘j’ word).
Q2. On your blog, Reflections from a Redhead, you share your story of depression and anxiety. Are you more alert and aware when burnout or a depressive episode is about to reveal itself to you?
I most definitely am! Well, mostly. I still push myself more than I should and struggle with fatigue, but I know the signs when I’ve overdone things and when I’m not feeling right.
Q3. What tools do you have when a depressive episode or burnout occurs?
Candles, incense, emergency anxiety medication, my dog, go-to movies to watch, music to listen to, a short list of yoga YouTube videos, my fave podcasts, a comfy bed, and a supportive husband.
Q4. As a mental health advocate, do you see that the landscape surrounding mental health and its stigmas have significantly changed in the last 5-10 years?
I would love to say YES, and we have made some progress over the last 5-10 years. However, there is still so much stigma, people who don’t ‘believe’ in mental illness, and work to be done. Stigma is still around, as people unfollow me each time I write about depression or anxiety or share something related to it on social media. I try not to focus on it, though, as the beauty is in the people who receive your message and are in need or grateful.
Q5. How has the media landscape and social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and the like changed how people respond to someone raising their hand and saying I have suffered with mental health issues?
It has made it much easier for people to put their hands up and declare they have or have suffered from a mental health issue. It helps people realise they are not alone in their battles! People just need to be aware that mental illness is still largely stigmatised and that not everyone will understand through sharing publicly. This can include friends, family and employers.
Q6. What was it about blogging that appealed to you?
Blogging initially appealed to me as a way to get back into writing after several years of writer’s block. It was also very cathartic, as I started blogging when I was lost and depressed.
I loved the connections I began to form with people who had been through similar things or were supportive. Blogging helped me to feel less alone and to realise that there were others out there just like me. I wasn’t weird, and I wasn’t weak.
Q7. Do you have a passion project that you want to achieve?
I would love to write a book one day. I would also love to become a digital nomad, being able to work from anywhere in the world. But, of course, that involves my husband coming on board and us making a real go of it! A life of freedom and exploration sounds perfect.
Q8. Do you have a specific way to deal with your depression and how to overcome it?
Dealing with my depression is a life-long process. I accept that today after a few relapses. I take my meds, I try to prioritise self-care and rest, I’ve learnt to say no (mostly), I try not to overeat and to eat reasonably healthy, and I see my psychologist monthly.
The most important factor is to recognise the signs – recognise when you are feeling down, when that feeling is prolonged, when you are feeling tired and need rest, and when you need to make changes in your life to prevent burn out and a relapse.
Q9. Do you think you could do a TED talk if they asked?
I could try, although I do have issues with memorising speeches. On the other hand, notes help me to manage my anxiety these days, and I work well with written prompts!
Q10. Do you have a favourite blog post?
I like 64 Ideas for Self-Care When Life Gets Hard – the post was crowd-sourced and is my most popular blog post ever. It has resonated with people and stood the test of time. It’s also great to refer back to whenever I need some self-care inspiration of my own!
Q11. And the least favourite?
My least favourite I have is ‘unpublished’. I do get disappointed in the performance of blog posts. List posts are the most popular posts that also take the least sweat and tears to write. They are fun to write, however.
Q12. What advice would you offer to a new blogger?
Just start. You will waste lots of time trying to write the perfect blog posts and design the perfect blog. However, there is no such thing as perfect – so just dive right in and go with it!
Q13. You are my mentor and I am incredibly grateful for that, what was it that you saw in me as a professional blogger that made you think ‘this guy has what it takes’?
For starters, we just clicked. Also, I think I saw something in you that was in me. We have similar natures and personalities and have or are dealing with similar things.
I could see your passion and talent for writing. I thought blogging could help you in many ways, most notably by connecting you to others and as an easy way to get your writing out into the world – I know what it did for me. It changed my life – and I thought it would be great for you. And I guess I could also tell you would just do it, as the Nike slogan goes! And you did!
Q14. As a marketing and communications specialist, is there one specific company you would like to work for?
Not really. I like diversity. I like being able to help lots of organisations, businesses and individuals with their marketing and communications needs.
If I had to pick a ‘dream job’ though, it would be in travel! Just imagine getting paid to travel and write and do social media!
Q15. I hear you love cheese and burgers, am I correct?!
That is correct, although these days, my body can’t handle the cheese 😦Q16. And I hear you are the world’s best blogging editor – is this true?!
I have it on good authority that I am. However, I’m terrible at editing my blog posts! I think I need my editor.
You can read the original interview here.
About Nick McAllister
Script Writer, Autism Advocate, Blogger, Mentor, Digital Media Facilitator, Lover of Cheese and Naps. View all posts by AusticN!ck
