Peter Jensen - Dealing with Depression; an alternative view
Peter is a member of the Rotary Club of Brighton Beach. His parents were Danish Missionaries and he grew up in the African bush. In 2001 He came to Australia as part of a Rotary youth exchange and lived in Albury/Wodonga. He was chosen from an initial group of one thousand applicants
With his career, Peter has taught leadership with BHP, unfortunately spending much time at Airlie Beach! He has also taught Cultural Transformation in Corporate environments.
Peter wants to raise personal awareness of alternative strategies to deal with depression. He talked about his own struggle trapped between two CEO’s who were trying to get rid of each other. His mother promised him during the darkest hours that he would always have a roof over his head.
The Big Question
Peter raised the question as to why the bush poor people he grew up with were happier that those of us in the western world. He suggested ritually maintaining Fitness and health.
Three Core Ingredients
- Depression is not a straight line. Sometimes you get stuck and are taken back
- Be a part of your community i.e. Rotary
- Be a part of mentoring. We have lost this along with the similar rite of passage in the African transition to Adulthood
Community
- A sense of belonging
- Identity and what defines you
- Customs and Rituals
- Mentoring
Purpose
- Clearly defined and articulate
- Bigger than self
- Mindfulness and spirituality
Gratititude
- Gratitude to others and yourself
Peter listed some strategies for Happiness
- What adventure can I have today?
- Who can I be kind to and why?
- Kindness to ones’ self
- What I am grateful for?
Peter is promoting R.C.B.B and RWAYA. If ithe topic relevant to you, please consider buying a copy of his book