In this session, we will identify signature strengths through the VIA Survey, positive reminiscence and strength spotting (worksheet included). We will learn about the benefits of strengths in relation to mental wellbeing.
“When you discover your greatest strengths, you can learn to use them to handle stress and life challenges, become happier, and develop relationships with those who matter most to you.” (VIA Institute, 2020).
Presenter Jo Kathleen Marie is from Mildura, a regional city in northwest Victoria, Australia. The region sits on the banks of the Murray River, known as Australia's food bowl. The landscape is a tapestry of vineyards, gardens, cafes, restaurants, local produce, houseboats, sport, music and walking tracks. Jo shares how using strengths, helped with mental illness recovery and building mental wellbeing, and how this led to becoming a Positive Psychology Coach in her community.
We can build a greater understanding of the attributes needed to lower mental health stigma by using strengths for optimal functioning. Harnessing strengths that hold less mental health stigma such as social intelligence, kindness, and open-mindedness could contribute to thriving mental health environments (Vertilo & Gibson, 2014). We can also help people grow strengths and use these to enrich local communities. Solely focusing on individual wellbeing through positive thinking, information sharing, skill-building and cognitive reframing detracts from building and sustaining community wellbeing (Evans and Prilleltensky, 2007).
Instead of seeking to fix deficits within ourselves and others, working with existing assets and local people to grow strengths can make it easier to thrive and improve collective mental health in communities. Harnessing assets can strengthen inclusive communities, and develop potential (Croydon Borough UK, 2020).
Achieving collective mental wellbeing is a community effort, however, we can each be active participants in shaping this by prioritising strengths.