Vibeke Koushede, a professor of mental health at the University of Copenhagen, has dedicated her career to understanding and promoting well-being, a path deeply influenced by her own experience with an abusive relationship in her early twenties. Koushede’s personal struggles have not only shaped her professional interests but also provided valuable insights into resilience and coping mechanisms.

Koushede emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement in maintaining mental health, advocating for a three-pronged approach: doing something active, doing something together, and doing something meaningful. She draws parallels to physical health, stressing that mental well-being requires consistent nurturing and maintenance.

Escaping the abusive relationship with her young son was a turning point, leading her back to Denmark and igniting a commitment to understanding how individuals cope with adversity. Koushede highlights the critical role of social connections, noting that people need people and that our support systems significantly influence our ability to handle life’s challenges.

Reflecting on her past, Koushede acknowledges the difficulty of explaining her experience and the common question of why she didn’t leave sooner. She emphasizes the manipulative nature of abusive relationships, where perpetrators can be both loving and remorseful, making it challenging to see the situation clearly.

To cope with crises, Koushede advises reaching out to trusted individuals for support and prioritizing social relationships. She also suggests simple micro-actions, such as going for a walk, smiling at others, or helping a colleague, as small steps towards positive change. These small actions can lead to feeling a positive difference, which can encourage the next step.

While acknowledging that not everyone has strong social support, Koushede encourages opening up communities to others and being curious about people who may seem different. She emphasizes the importance of self-esteem and a stable upbringing in developing effective coping strategies.

Koushede’s insights are rooted in research and practical experience, informing her work on mental health and well-being. Her “ABC for Mental Health” framework provides concrete steps individuals can take to actively improve their mental state, reinforcing the idea that even small actions can make a significant difference in navigating life’s challenges.