An invitation to self-care and building healthy environments
By: Luciane Soutello
Coordinator of the Wellness Center at MUST University
White January appears as a milestone in the annual calendar, calling on individuals, companies and communities to reflect on mental and emotional health. More than an awareness campaign, this movement challenges us to take practical actions to promote well-being in all spheres of life. It invites us to think about how we can, as individuals and as a society, build more welcoming, safe and healthy environments.
Martin Seligman reminds us that human well-being is not limited to individual achievements. Positive emotions, healthy relationships and safe environments play a crucial role. In this sense, it is not enough to seek our own happiness; It is essential that we be active agents so that others also live in balance.
Neuroscience, in turn, reinforces the importance of the environments in which we live. Amy Edmondson, an expert in psychological safety, highlights that the quality of relationships at work can significantly impact our mental health. Environments that promote psychological safety allow people to express themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal, creating spaces where ideas, vulnerabilities and challenges can be shared with confidence.
Being human is more than taking care of yourself; It’s also about helping others not to get sick. In the workplace, for example, this means not perpetuating toxic behaviors, avoiding gossip and building a climate of respect and support. As pointed out by Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence is a powerful tool for creating healthy connections and preventing conflicts that generate stress and insecurity.
The science of happiness, defended by authors such as Sonja Lyubomirsky, reinforces that the quality of our interactions directly influences our well-being and that of others. Simple attitudes, such as demonstrating empathy, recognizing other people’s efforts and avoiding destructive criticism, can transform the environment and prevent it from becoming hostile.
White January also calls us to reflect on prejudices that still surround mental health. Tal Ben-Shahar emphasizes that accepting psychological suffering as part of the human condition is the first step towards significant change. Breaking these prejudices and talking openly about mental health is essential to creating a culture of acceptance and care. However, the transformation is not just collective. As individuals, we must reflect on our attitudes and behaviors that may perpetuate stigma or contribute to toxic environments. Collective change starts with individual responsibility, a central theme in any discussion about mental health and well-being.
White January challenges us to rethink our environments and our attitudes, but also to act. Collective reflection on mental health only becomes effective when accompanied by individual changes. This means taking care of yourself, seeking professional help when necessary, but also being proactive in creating healthy environments, whether at home, at work or in any living space.
Each of us has the power to create a positive impact on collective well-being. By promoting psychological safety, avoiding judgment and cultivating respect, we help build a culture where everyone feels valued and protected.
At MUST University, we believe that well-being is not just a personal goal, but a collective commitment. As an institution, we promote programs that strengthen the emotional health of our academic community and create spaces where psychological safety is a priority.
This is a reminder that mental health is not just the responsibility of professionals or companies; it starts with each of us. May we use this month as a starting point to change habits, break prejudices and transform the world around us into a more human and welcoming place.
