“You’ve got to stay connected”: Scott Morrison talks about his mental health
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shared the most valuable piece of advice he was given before he entered parliament in his new role.
“It was about maintaining your relationships outside of the parliament, outside of your workplace,” the Prime Minister tells news.com.au.
“Ensuring that you have time to spend with family and friends, I think, is critically important. You’ve got to be careful you don’t isolate yourself in the challenges that you face. You’ve got to remain connected to people.
“I don’t just mean those you work with, but particularly those outside your work, who can bring some balance and perspective to your life.”
Morrison freely admits that his job can cause him anxiety.
“That comes with the job, and it always has. It’s not unique to my position, or anyone else’s for that matter. I mean, what you’re talking about is being human. And, yes, I can happily admit to that, with the same vulnerabilities that others face,” he says.
However, he’s aware that isolating yourself does more harm than good.
“The problem is that people sort of fold in on themselves. As the pressures mount, they withdraw even more, and what you need is the exact opposite,” Mr Morrison says.
There are things you can do to ease the pain you’re feeling, he says.
“Talk about it. Talk about it. That’s the most important thing. And ensure that you’re maintaining your relationships to have that opportunity to talk about it,” he says.
“That’s always been very important to Jenny and I. And look, Jenny is an enormous support in making sure that we do that, and that I remain connected in that way. Family and friends, my church community and all of these things are very important in maintaining balance in life.
“Internalising it can only create greater stress. And not just on your mental health. That can manifest itself in physical health problems as well.”
The Prime Minister has his own ways of dealing with anxiety when the pressure gets too much.
“What I try to do is keep a fairly balanced routine, as much as is possible in this job. And getting some headspace by jumping in the pool and doing my laps most days, is probably one of the most important things I do in terms of managing that,” he says.
“People obviously need me to be at my best, and in order to do that, I’m quite disciplined about ensuring that I have those opportunities built into my program. My team around me understand that very well, and they’re very supportive of ensuring that, you know, if the PM doesn’t get his swim he’s going to be a bit grumpy.”