“It’s not weakness to ask for help — it’s courage." That was the message from one of the fittest men on the planet, as mentl’s Tear Away The Silence campaign took to the stage at a major sporting event in Dubai.
As part of the ongoing campaign, supported by global healthcare leader Viatris, an inspiring conversation unfolded with a powerhouse panel featuring World Ironman Champion Sam Laidlow, clinical psychologist Dr. Thoraiya Kanafani (Dr. T), and longevity and nutrition expert Dr. Elie Abirached.
The panel, hosted by Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl, delved into the heart of mental health, offering poignant reflections on resilience, vulnerability, and the critical role of community.
Sam Laidlow, the youngest Ironman World Champion in history, shared his deeply personal journey of highs and lows, emphasizing that mental health is not just an athlete's secret weapon — it's everyone's superpower.
Speaking on his struggles with post-victory clarity and self-doubt, Laidlow underscored the value of openness, stating, "I think as athletes, people see us as superheroes. But it's very important to be relatable and human. It’s not weakness to ask for help — it’s courage."
His reflection was echoed by Dr. T, who noted that vulnerability often requires more bravery than silence. "People think it's a weakness to speak up, but it takes far more courage to be vulnerable and expose your emotions," Dr. T shared, challenging the societal stigma around seeking help.
Lessons in Courage, Community, and Balance
Dr. Elie Abirached drew attention to the essential role of physical health in mental well-being, highlighting the connection between gut health, sleep, and brain function. “If you’re trying to take care of your mental health, you have to take care of your body,” he emphasized.
Dr. T reinforced this holistic view, pointing to the "holy four" pillars of well-being: sleep, nutrition, movement, and somatic work. In a world obsessed with constant improvement, she urged the audience to embrace moderation. "We should strive for balance, not perfection," she said.
Throughout the session, the shared wisdom revealed a powerful message: while setbacks and challenges are inevitable, they offer fertile ground for growth.
The conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at the recent T100 / The Music Run event staged for thousands of people at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The full panel is now available as a bonus episode of ‘the mentl space’ on all leading podcast platforms, and on mentl’s YouTube channel.
As the Tear Away the Silence campaign continues, supported by Viatris, conversations like these aim to challenge perceptions and foster an environment where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength.
One of the session's key takeaways came from Sam Laidlow again, who encouraged everyone to take time for reflection and self-assessment. “Take a deep look at yourself. Ask where you’re going and what your purpose is,” he said, capturing the essence of the campaign’s mission to break down barriers surrounding mental health.
