Episode 020 — Overcoming Depression, Anxiety & Emotional Trauma with Mark Blacknell

When depression and anxiety become your identity, it can feel like there’s no way out—only survival. In this episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Mark Blacknell, a former Marine who grew up in working-class Philadelphia, served time in jail, and fought through severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Today, Mark supports death row inmates and senior citizens in nursing homes, and shares a grounded, no-fluff approach to healing: stop, address it, get support, and build a daily practice—one moment at a time.

Mark Blacknell is a former Marine and meditation practitioner ordained in the Soto Zen tradition. After years of living with severe anxiety and depression, Mark’s message is simple and powerful: healing starts when you stop running, address what’s happening, and practice—one step at a time.

3 Key Takeaways
• You can acknowledge mental illness without shame—and that honesty can be the beginning of healing
 • Recovery is practical: stop, address it, resist the “escape routes,” and use available resources
 • Meditation doesn’t require perfection—just the commitment to “sit on the mat” consistently

Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome & introduction
03:10 — “One step at a time” and practicing presence
06:30 — Naming mental illness without shame
10:40 — How anxiety and depression hijack the body and identity
15:20 — Rock bottom, suicidal thoughts, and not giving up
20:30 — Leaving everything behind and traveling to Israel (turning point)
27:10 — Meditation retreats, Zen, and the power of daily practice
35:40 — How meditation helps death row inmates and seniors
41:30 — What to do when anxiety shows up in your body
47:10 — Practical guidance: stop, get help, and don’t complicate it
54:20 — Where to connect with Mark + Kashi ashram

Links & Resources
Mark’s Website: https://www.stareatthewall.org/
Kashi Ashram (Retreat / Community): https://www.kashi.org/
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: https://a.co/d/1Uug04F

Immediate Support & Crisis Lines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free & confidential)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (treatment referral & information)

Finding Treatment & Providers
Find mental and substance use disorder treatment facilities, https://findtreatment.gov/
Find support, understand common questions, connect with professionals, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support

Credits
Host: Anne Vryonides
Guest: Mark Blacknell
 
 Disclaimer
The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, treatment, or medical care. If you are in crisis, call/text 988 or seek emergency support immediately.

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❤️ Anne

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