In this conversation, Rory O'Connor discusses his motivation for working in the field of suicide research and prevention. He shares personal experiences and the loss of close friends, highlighting the need to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. The alarming statistics of suicide and self-harm are discussed, emphasising the importance of understanding the pain and entrapment that lead to suicidal thoughts. The conversation also explores the need to create safe spaces for men to talk about their mental health and the power of nature and the outdoors in promoting well-being. Finally, the future of mental health and suicide prevention is considered, with a focus on addressing the concerns of young people and the impact of social media. The conversation explores the concerns for young people, the impact of comparison and globalisation, the importance of community, the power of a smile, and three things for mental well-being. It emphasises the need to prioritise sleep, engage in exercise, and maintain a positive mindset. The conversation concludes with a message of hope, reminding listeners that things do get better even in the darkest times.

Takeaways

• Dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial in promoting well-being and preventing suicide.
• Understanding the pain and entrapment that lead to suicidal thoughts is essential for effective suicide prevention.
• Creating safe spaces for men to talk about their mental health is important in breaking down barriers and promoting help-seeking.
• Nature and the outdoors can have a profound impact on mental well-being and should be incorporated into mental health interventions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary

In this conversation, Joe Bates discusses his upbringing in Tunbridge Wells, his experience as a father, and his daily routine that includes breathwork. He emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with family and starting the day with a positive mindset. Joe also reflects on the loss of his father and his decision to join the Royal Marines and Special Forces. He shares his struggles in the banking industry and the search for help and support. The conversation explores the challenges of seeking help for mental health issues and the confusion that can arise from the multitude of options available. It emphasizes the importance of connection, understanding, and sharing experiences with others who have been through similar struggles. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for men, is discussed, along with the need for tools and strategies to cope with difficult emotions. The healing power of nature, animals, laughter, and not taking oneself too seriously is highlighted. The conversation also delves into the impact of PTSD and the benefits of therapy and outdoor experiences. Finally, the creation of Halen, a new approach to mental health support, is explored, along with the importance of rebranding mental health and promoting a sense of pride in seeking help. In this conversation, Joe and Matthew discuss various ways to improve one's well-being and find happiness. They explore the importance of breathwork and connecting with oneself, appreciating the beauty of life, spreading kindness and doing good, and understanding and practicing empathy.

Takeaways

• Spending quality time with family is essential for happiness and well-being.
• Starting the day with a positive mindset and self-care practices like breathwork can have a significant impact on overall mental health.
• The loss of a loved one can have a profound effect on an individual, and the grieving process is unique for everyone.
• Joining the military or pursuing challenging experiences can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, but it may not necessarily fill the void or solve personal issues.
• Seeking help and finding support is crucial when facing struggles or feeling lost. Seeking help for mental health issues can be confusing, but it is important to connect with others and understand that you are not alone in your struggles.
• The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for men, can make it difficult to seek help, but it is important to overcome shame and share experiences with trusted individuals.
• Nature, animals, laughter, and not taking oneself too seriously can all be powerful tools for improving mental well-being.
• Breath work, meditation, and other coping strategies can provide valuable support for managing difficult emotions.
• Creating a new approach to mental health support, one that emphasizes connection, understanding, and rebranding mental health, can help break down barriers and promote a sense of pride in seeking help. Engaging in breathwork can help improve well-being and provide an immediate sense of connection with oneself.
• Taking the time to appreciate the beauty of life and being present in the moment can bring joy and fulfillment.
• Performing random acts of kindness and spreading positivity can have a snowball effect and create a ripple of goodness.
• Practicing empathy and understanding that everyone is going through their own struggles can lead to more compassion and less judgment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Persia Lawson is a dating & relationship coach, 3x author & speaker. She specialises in getting career-focused women healthy, exciting, meaningful relationships that are a force for good, not drama.

Persia has been coaching for over a decade and is certified in cognitive behavioural therapy. She is the resident dating expert for the global dating app, Badoo, and the elite matchmaking agency, Bowes-Lyon Partnership.

Persia was honoured to be called “one of the UK’s most successful love coaches” by The Times and an “irreverent British guru” by Marie Claire magazine. She hosts a top 3 podcast, Love Is Coming, and her work is regularly featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan and the BBC.

Her signature mentorship programme, Love For Leaders, typically gets clients remarkable relationships within 6-12 months (as Persia is a certified wedding celebrant, she has even officiated several of their weddings!)

Persia believes that romantic relationships are a vehicle for profound healing and growth, and should have a positive impact on not only the couple, but their loved ones, communities - and even the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alastair Humphreys is an adventurer, blogger, author, speaker and film maker.

Alastair tells stories to encourage people to live more adventurously every day - to engage with and care for the natural world. Alastair is a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year; he is an inspiration and passionate about nature being amazing for mental health. In this podcast he explains how and why you can live more adventurously.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you feel well, you're more likely to be able to do the things that you love. 

Nutrition and a social connection are a huge part of wellness.

In this podcast, we speak to Jenna Macciochi on how and why what we eat has a profound effect on our mental wellness and physical well-being.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.