Mind Your Melon Check In Session

Participants in this month’s Mind Your Melon check-in session were inspired by guest speaker Suzie Whitfield, who shared her lived experience with mental health and encouraged open, honest conversations about wellbeing.

Suzie reminded participants that mental health is something we all have. Our brains are designed to keep us safe, and talking about mental health should be a normal part of everyday life.

The session focused on practical ways to start conversations that feel genuine and comfortable. Participants explored simple tools such as asking someone to rate how they’re feeling on a scale of 1 to 10 or using a “weather forecast” check-in by asking, “What’s your internal forecast today?” These approaches can help create a safe space for people to share how they are really feeling.

A powerful discussion also centred on what people need when they are experiencing difficult times. Rather than trying to solve problems, Suzie encouraged participants to simply be present and listen. Together, the group reflected on what it feels like to be truly heard, highlighting the importance of listening without judgement, validating another person’s experience, acknowledging that their feelings are normal, and accepting their perspective without needing to fully understand it.

Thank you to Suzie Whitfield for sharing her story with such honesty and generosity. Sessions like these continue to build confidence, strengthen connections and encourage a culture where conversations about mental health are welcomed and supported.