Warning: This article discusses mental health
Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli has spoken openly about why he regularly sees a therapist.
Speaking on NOVA’s podcast Separate Bathrooms with his wife Lisa, Wippa told hosts Cameron and Ali Daddo he compares going to therapy to using a coach in sport.
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“I mean even the best tennis player in the world, Rafael Nadal, has a coach because he needs to be able to see it from a different point of view, and be able to learn where we can improve. So that’s the way I look at it,” Wippa explained.
He went on to explain how people tend to form habits or have instinctive reactions to situations and a therapist can help us unlearn the unhelpful ones.
“I see it as a great way of them being able to almost print out what’s in your brain and have the analytic ability to see why things might continue to happen, or a different way to look at things, just to present different opinions to why things might be happening,” he said.
Wippa used his fear of flying as an example. His therapist explained that his fear is likely related to the lack of control, with his life in the pilot’s hands.
“So we have conversations around being able to relax and let that control go,” he said.
He also discusses the stresses of being a modern day father, the importance of community and even ambition.
“I think it’s extremely healthy to help print out and analyse what you have and what’s going on,” he said.
The timeliness of Wippa’s confession cannot be overstated. Today is R U OK day which is a great chance to check in with friends and family.
Asking “are you ok?’’ is about more than just saying the words. The R U OK? Day website has some great advice on how to prepare yourself to ask the question.
Step 1: Check you’re ready to ask the question. Am I in a good headspace? Do I have time to listen to the person? Am I ready to act if the answer is “I am not ok”?
Step 2: Prepare for their answer. Am I ready to hear that someone I care about is not ok? Can I accept that I might not be able to adequately help them? How will I react if they don’t want to talk to me?
Step 3: Pick your moment. Have I chosen somewhere private and quiet? Is this a good time for them to talk or are they distracted? Have I given myself enough time to talk or do I need to rush off somewhere?
Remember there are lots of resources out there, the R U OK? Day website, the Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue and of course Lifeline.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
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