Mental health is a conversation that too many times people aren’t willing to have. It’s a real thing and even though people tend to ignore it, having those conversations, difficult though they are, is necessary. Contrary to popular belief, participants don’t have to be adults to weigh in, give an opinion, and seek help because mental health also impacts youngsters, and not addressing their fears and concerns can have a lingering impact on their lives. 

”I drink socially or occasionally, but what I really had to change was the environment around me.” – (Ross), 4:51

My guest today is Ross Szabo, a leading mental health advocate and a man who is working tirelessly to change the perceptions around mental health. His work includes how we approach it from a classroom dynamic as his vision calls for teachers, school districts, and leaders around the nation to begin building programs that address the very real phenomenon at an early age. He’s a pioneer in this field and continues to champion the needs of children through his groundbreaking programs and curriculums. 

“If I knew what panic disorder was in the sixth grade it would’ve been a lot easier for me to come forward and talk about it.” – (Danny), 18:43

Today, Ross discusses the challenges he faced as a child growing up in Pennsylvania, how those challenges impacted his life as well as his stance on how our nation should address mental health moving forward. Ross also shares several real-life experiences including the things he has seen during speaking engagements and the way those engagements have shaped his way of thinking. 

“When it comes to students, everybody just wants to be seen and heard.” – (Ross), 27:38

If you’ve been wondering how to address the mental health issues of young people within your sphere, pull up a chair and listen to Ross as he shares the wisdom he’s seen and learned along the way. This is an incredible conversation about a topic whose time has definitely come.

“Mental health isn’t just about emotions, it’s also relationships, it’s communication, it’s coping mechanisms.” – (Ross), 37:47

In This Episode:

• (1:59) – Ross dives into how for years, he self-medicated heavily.

• (2:52) – Ross discusses self-hate. 

• (4:03) – At the age of 22, Ross hits rock bottom. 

• (4:53) – The environment Ross was in was the biggest problem. 

• (5:12) – Ross discusses his teen suicide attempt. 

• (6:44) – Danny discusses the physical impact of mental health.

• (9:03) – Ross talks about how he deals with bad mental health days.

• (11:00) – Danny discusses his past relationship with alcohol. 

• (13:14) – Ross dives deep into addiction.

• (15:31) – Danny relives going to the mental hospital for the first time.

• (17:20) – How David Barlow and his book saved Danny.

• (19:35) – Ross talks about speaking to his mental challenges when he was in high school.

• (21:08) – Ross was a pioneer in the mental health space.

• (22:45) – Ross pitches the idea that classes should be taught on mental health. 

• (24:03) – Ross emphasizes the importance of teachers using their stories to help drive mental health awareness and healing.

• (26:06) – Ross discusses the ongoing challenges of youth mental health programs.

• (28:09) – Ross emphasizes the importance of having content with integrity.

• (30:35) – Mental health knows no race or gender boundaries.

• (33:45) – The broad spectrum of mental health. 

• (37:30) – Ross reveals eye-opening relationship statistics. 

• (40:08) – Not fitting in at American University. 

• (41:40) – Ross touches on his books.

• (42:43) – Young people, technology, and anxiety. 

• (43:18) – Ross discusses the differences between children of today and his day.

• (46:10) – Danny discusses what he wishes he had done with family trauma.

• (47:03) – Danny asks Ross about his views on using medicine for mental health. 

• (48:03) – Ross encourages listeners to do whatever constructive method works for them. 

Our Guest

Ross Szabo, Wellness Director at Geffen Academy (UCLA), dedicates over half his life to making mental health accessible. His book, "A Kids Book About Anxiety," featured in Oprah's Favorite Things List, reflects his belief that mental health education is as crucial as physical health. Szabo advocates for teaching brain development, vocabulary, coping skills, and building healthy relationships to protect our minds. Transparent about his mental health journey, he empowers others to address their challenges and live more fulfilling lives.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

• https://www.offthecuff.fm/ 

• https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore 

• https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/ 

• https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/ 

• https://www.tiktok.com/@1and1otc

Ross Szabo

• https://rossszabo.com/about-ross/

• https://www.instagram.com/rossszabo/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-szabo/

• https://www.facebook.com/ross.szabo/