Sometimes just going up to someone and saying, “are you okay?” can go such a long way. You’ll learn in this interview that many people going through mental health struggles are going it alone and that doesn’t have to be the reality anymore. Ryan Smith is a mental health worker who struggled with Postnatal Depression. As a man, it was a rough journey to get to the other side. Today, he advocates for those with mental health issues by putting neuro-linguistic tools in their hand through his podcast the Positive Self Storyteller. 

Let’s dive into Ryan’s story and learn how he’s making an impact on mental health because of the trials he’s gone through, and what happens when you find the strength to reach out for help. 

Things you will learn in this episode:

[00:01 – 05:26] Opening Segment

• I welcome and introduce my guest, Ryan Smith
• • #positiveselfstoryteller
• Reminder to join the Mastermind community 
• • Links below
• Some background on Ryan
• • From Wales 
  • Podcaster and Mental Health advocator 
  • Studying to be a life coach - neuro linguistic programming 
• Ryan’s story and mission
• • Suffered from postnatal depression 
  • Many don’t know, but the suicide rates are extremely high
  • Just ask, ‘How are you?’ 
  • Seek out help and open up to someone

[05:27 – 10:41] The Importance of Stepping Out and Opening Up

• Ryan describes his journey through his struggle
• • The results of having been groomed as a young kid 
  • The trauma resurfaced at a later age 
  • The support and strength to deal with it
  • Going through counseling 
• The effects from getting abused 
• • Confusion between admiration and attraction 
  • Struggling with homosexuality while engaged 
• Going through PPD
• • Taken to a place of unrecognition 
  • The effects on his relationship with his wife 
  • Getting to a place of admitting you need help 

[10:42 – 18:59] The Path to Healing; I am Not My Trauma

• The point of getting help 
• • Ryan shares his breaking point with suicidal thoughts 
  • Headspace and mindfulness
  • I am not my trauma 
• I share my experience and thoughts 
• The process of seeking help 
• • Knowing something is wrong 
  • Going to the doctor
  • Getting informed and getting to the root
  • Getting the message out to help others 
• The stereotype of men during post-birth
• • Having to man up and step in
  • Strength comes from owning up to your fears 

[19:00 – 27:35 Closing Segment

• Ryan’s advice to people going through the fire
• • Know in your heart that this is not your fault
  • People will listen if you are brave enough to talk
  • You can start living the life you deserve 
  • It’s selfish not to look after yourself
• Ryan shares his thoughts about community 
• • You’re not alone in what you’re going through 
  • Finding groups to join rather than self-medicating
  • Outward expression on an internal struggle
• How to reach out and connect with Ryan
• • Listen in to the podcast Positive Self Storyteller
  • Links below 
• The power of allowing yourself to think your thoughts 
• Final Words 

 

Tweetable Quotes:

"Too many men suffer with depression, postnatal, and then they end up taking their lives. The suicide rate is ridiculously high, and I’m trying to change that culture.” - Ryan Smith

“Just on the other side of fear is courage, you just have to take that step over the line.” - Ryan Smith

“If I can do good in the bad, then I can do great in the good.” - Ryan Smith

 

Resources Mentioned: 

• OOTF Mastermind
• Positive Self Storyteller Podcast - with Ryan Smith
• Headspace Guide to Meditation

 

Reach out and connect with Ryan on Instagram, Facebook, and email [email protected]. Visit his upcoming website https://www.positiveselfstoryteller.com to learn more.

 

Join me and my guests as we illustrate how to walk through the fires of life and come out the other side more resilient, passionate, and stronger than ever before. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Become part of the community and join our Group. Want to learn more about me? Visit https://trishafraley.com/trishafraley. 

I want to know more about you! Email me at [email protected]. 

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