10 Things I've Learned About Mental Health

While withdrawing from heroin in a jail cell, I had to shave my weeks long beard growth with a disposable razor & a bar of soap.

Life has changed a lot for me in 22 years. 

As Men’s Mental Health months concluded, I was on a golf trip with business leaders from around the world in a place I could never imagine all those years ago.

This could only happen after doing a lot of work the last couple of decades.

Below are ten truths I’ve learned about Mental Health:

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1. It’s hard to have mental health without spiritual or physical health.

2. Health is a lot about doing things I don’t want to do in the short term to gain things I do want in the long term.

3. In order to heal it, you have to feel it. 

4. Recovery is a spectrum & no two humans are the same. 

5. People who are others-focused with strong purpose are happier & more well adjusted.

6. Action is a great salve for anxiety. 

7. Even God Rested on the Seventh Day. 

8. Replace “They make me feel” with “When they__, I feel __.”

9. Your words matter & the way you talk to yourself matters even more. 

10. New Friends Can Take You to New Places.

Education:

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Blessings:

Health & Humility:

We work out now to get stronger later. In the same way, recovery & counseling require discomfort today to heal tomorrow. 

Drugs, alcohol, gambling, & other compulsive behaviors forgo immediate pain for bigger pain later.

When one’s own brain betrays you, it can be a humbling experience.

But humility can be a great thing when we don’t move to humiliation.

Humility is about recognizing one’s limitations & focusing on others, while humiliation involves feeling degraded or put down.

Many people cling to their shortcomings, even making them their identity. Our modern algorithms can convince you that all your problems are because you’re ADHD, OCD, or any number of things. And while it’s helpful to advocate for accommodations in the world, much of that relies upon others to change.

Bryan Stevenson says it well. “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done [or experienced].”

You are more than your shortcomings. Find your strengths. Find some positive influences who do things better than you. Grab on and learn what you can.

As we celebrate independence from Britain. We can also celebrate independence from mental affliction as well.

May we all experience a level of freedom in our minds & our hearts that is worthy of celebration.