When struggling with mental health, actively seek professional therapy, as it was a turning point for Kevin Love and helped him “start doing the work” to heal and understand his experiences.
If you are a teacher, coach, parent, or leader, it’s vital to model vulnerability to those who look up to you, as this helps open conversations and breaks the cycle of silence around mental health.
Avoid withholding compassion and grace for yourself when facing struggles, as nobody benefits from this self-criticism and it’s essential for healing.
Shift your focus from “legacy virtues” (achievements) to “eulogy virtues” (how you made people feel, your relationships, and impact on others) for a more meaningful and authentic life.
Do not struggle in silence or in the shadows; speaking up about your mental health challenges can lead to profound personal change and empower you to help others.
Unprocessed grief, anxiety, or other emotional struggles will eventually manifest in physical or psychological ways, so it’s crucial to unpack and face these feelings head-on.
Avoid building your entire identity around performance or achievements, as this can lead to dread and devastating impacts when faced with failure or setbacks.
Support the integration of mental health education into school curriculums from a young age, just as physical and sexual health are taught, to provide early intervention and language for emotions.
Recognize that everyone is going through something unseen, so allow yourself to be a compassionate listener for others and pay it forward by using your voice to support them.
View vulnerability not as a weakness but as a superpower and a source of strength that empowers you to be authentic and help others by opening up.
Prioritize rest days, getting sun and vitamin D, and spending time with family to “play the long game” and maintain physical and mental well-being in demanding environments.
While exercise is beneficial for mental health, ensure it’s not driven by perfectionism or used as a way to avoid deeper emotional issues and trauma.
Work towards reconciliation and forgiveness within your family to address generational trauma, as facing these memories can lead to peace and understanding.
Consider getting a dog, as they provide unconditional love, encourage outdoor activity, and are beneficial for mental health and happiness.
If you choose to share your personal struggles, ensure it is done in your own words to maintain control over your narrative and prevent others from misrepresenting your experience.
Avoid telling people to simply “snap out of” mental health struggles, as this demonstrates a lack of understanding of how complex these issues truly are and can be dismissive.