Finding strategies to flourish this World Mental Health Day

Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, which provides an opportunity to reflect on our mental well-being. The Irish community of Korea, and the Embassy of Ireland considers mental health to be one of the key defining issues of our time. Korea can be a high-stress environment, and sometimes foreigners can find that challenging when they move here. We are committed to championing positive ways to flourish, and encouragement to those who are struggling. Most importantly of all, we need to combat stigma around mental health. It is OK not to be OK, and speaking out is a vital step when you are encountering anxiety or depression.

It is a simple fact that stress is part of life. From school and work to family responsibilities and social expectations, everyone faces moments that test focus, patience and resilience. A looming deadline, a difficult conversation or an unexpected challenge can sometimes overwhelm us. Short-term stress can sharpen thinking, motivate action and drive creativity, problem-solving and growth. The problem arises when stress lingers day after day, when the pressure never seems to let up. Then it changes how our brains work — it can take a serious toll on our memory, decision-making and emotional health. Capable students may freeze during exams, and experienced professionals can become completely overwhelmed by challenges that once seemed manageable.

We cannot shield our children or ourselves from stress; that is unrealistic. Instead, people of all ages need strategies, habits and supportive environments that help us recover, regain balance and grow stronger.

For decades, mental health and education have focused on fixing problems, identifying what is “wrong” or what needs to be corrected. While it is important to address struggles, this approach can leave people feeling defined by their weaknesses. What if we flip the perspective, and start with what’s going well? This is called a strength-based approach, starting with the skills, talents and qualities that people already bring to the table.

Research shows that using our strengths — curiosity, kindness, perseverance, creativity or teamwork — boosts resilience, engagement and life satisfaction. People who regularly tap into their strengths also tend to perform better in school, work and everyday life. We can spot these strengths in everyday life, among those all around us. We all know a child who loves to solve puzzles, an adult who is a wonderful mentor to colleagues or a friend who brings humor and warmth to a difficult situation. When we deliberately recognize and celebrate these strengths, we build confidence and motivation.

Society often measures success by grades, promotions or income. But thriving is not just about achievement — well-being is equally important. Families, workplaces and communities can focus on well-bring in small but powerful ways. Celebrating small wins, nurturing meaningful relationships, encouraging enjoyable activities and creating space for reflection show that life is not only about surviving challenges. It is about building skills, relationships and purposes that last. In particular, adults play a crucial role in modeling health stress management, to pass on the tools to our children that will help them to navigate life’s pressures. When adults encourage reflection on emotions and personal strengths, this also fosters emotional intelligence, which is key to resilience.

Taking the strength-based approach helps us to reframe mental health positively, helping to reduce the stigma and shame experienced by those suffering from stress, anxiety or emotional challenges. Everyone has strengths and areas for growth. Seeking help is not a weakness. It is a way to grow and flourish. Open conversations about mental health, acknowledging emotions and modeling healthy coping strategies reduce stigma and build resilience. When people see challenges as part of life rather than failures, they are more likely to seek support and use their strengths to thrive.

Flourishing is not just an individual goal. It is a shared responsibility. Communities, schools, workplaces and families all have a role in helping people develop strengths, cope with stress and value well-being alongside achievement. This is a principle that the Irish community takes very seriously. By supporting each other, championing well-being and encouraging those struggling to seek help, we hope to help our community to flourish. We also want to spread the word, and encourage Korean friends and family members, and other expatriates, to do likewise.

In recent years, the Irish community has organized an annual walk at dawn, to focus on mental health, reduce stigma and champion positive well-being. Called Solas (the Irish for ‘light’), it is a moment to take stock, reflect on our strengths and encourage positive actions to build resilience. We do it every May, and in 2025, we organized walks for the first time also outside Seoul — in Jeju and Busan. Please check out irishassociationofkorea.kr for more details. All are welcome.

This World Mental Health Day, the Irish community encourages you to focus on your strengths, as well as your accomplishments. Thriving is not about enduring life’s pressures. It is about learning, growing and flourishing through them. Do something positive for yourself today, and remember “it’s OK not to be OK.”

Michelle Winthrop is ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Korea. Warren Neiland is qualified in Korea as a mental health professional, working at Cheongna Dalton School, and well-being coordinator at the Irish Association of Korea.