What happens when everything you’re told to do for your mental health only makes things worse?

In this powerful episode of Mental Health, Reclaimed, Eric Kussin, CEO of SameHere Global, shares how he went from a high-level sports executive to bedridden for two and a half years.

He complied with his doctors through 52 combinations of psych meds and undergoing ECT, before finding real healing outside the conventional system.

You’ll hear his raw, inspiring journey and learn about the Same Here movement that’s changing how we talk about and treat mental health.

Eric’s story exposes the cracks in the conventional system—and the hope that exists beyond it. Eric explore the role of trauma, the nervous system, integrative healing, and why labels aren't life sentences. If you're seeking real, sustainable mental health solutions, this episode is a must-listen.

TIME STAMPS / TOPICS

00:00 – Intro & Welcome Dr. Azi introduces the show and shares why this episode is especially meaningful. 

10:00 – Eric’s Breakdown Begins From a successful career in the NBA and NHL to complete burnout—Eric recounts the warning signs and the moment everything unraveled.

20:00 – 52 Meds and Still Suffering A brutal account of overmedication, misdiagnoses, and the failure of the mental health system to provide real healing.

30:00 – The Turning Point After exhausting every conventional option, Eric discovers trauma-informed care and a whole new way to approach healing.

40:00 – From Rock Bottom to Purpose The founding of Same Here Global and Eric’s mission to bring real mental health education and community to the world.

50:00 – Redefining Mental Health for Everyone We talk about the myths, the language, and how we must shift from "illness" to "human experience."

60:00 – Final Reflections Azi and Eric reflect on the journey, the future of mental health advocacy, and the power of storytelling.

🔗 Links:

Get involved with SameHere, Global: https://samehereglobal.org/ 

www.mentalhealthreclaimed.com (Grab your copy of Mental Health, RECLAIMED - Dr. Azi’s new book, now a #1 bestseller on Amazon!)

Connect with Dr. Azi on Social: 

instagram.com/dr.azi.jankovic 

https://www.facebook.com/Dr.AziJankovic

https://www.linkedin.com/in/azijankovic/ 

Eric Kussin – Bio Eric Kussin is the founder and CEO of #SameHere Global, a nonprofit movement reshaping the way the world talks about mental health. After a 20-year career as a professional sports executive, Eric’s life took a dramatic turn when he faced a debilitating mental health crisis that left him nearly bedridden for over two years. Through a journey of holistic healing, he reclaimed his well-being and launched #SameHere to promote the idea that mental health challenges are a universal human experience — not the experience of a few. His "5 in 5" philosophy counters a distorted 1 in 5 narrative; emphasizing that mental health affects everyone, advocating for community, transparency, and root-cause healing.