Simon Cowell, British entertainment executive and television producer, discusses the benefits of therapy and the importance of prioritizing mental health. He reflects on his journey to therapy and regrets not starting earlier in life. They also explore the impact of music on mood.
Therapy can positively impact mental health and help navigate challenges such as depression, burnout, and grief.
Seeking professional help during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for managing anxiety and finding support.
Therapy can help reevaluate priorities, find joy in simple things, and achieve work-life balance, leading to improved overall well-being and career longevity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Therapy
Simon Cowell discusses his experience with therapy and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help for mental health. He shares how therapy has positively impacted his life and how it has helped him navigate challenges such as depression, burnout, and grief. Cowell encourages others to prioritize their mental well-being and not be ashamed to talk openly about their experiences with therapy.
Coping with COVID Anxiety
Cowell opens up about his fear and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on the initial uncertainty and the impact it had on his mental health. Cowell shares his decision to prioritize safety and how therapy played a crucial role in helping him manage and alleviate his anxiety. He highlights the importance of finding support and seeking professional help during times of crisis.
Gaining Perspective and Finding Joy
Through therapy, Cowell has gained a new perspective on life and work. He shares how therapy has helped him reevaluate his priorities and find joy in simple things, such as spending time with his son and engaging in outdoor activities. Cowell emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life, finding happiness, and not constantly striving for external validation.
Breaking Stigmas and Normalizing Therapy
Cowell discusses the evolving attitude towards therapy and mental health, highlighting the importance of destigmatizing seeking help. He encourages individuals not to view therapy as a sign of weakness, but rather as a proactive step towards self-improvement and overall well-being. Cowell believes that therapy should be more readily available and hopes that open conversations about mental health will become more common and accepted.
The Impact of Therapy on Longevity and Work
Cowell reflects on how therapy has positively impacted his career longevity and work-life balance. He discusses how therapy has helped him manage stress, avoid burnout, and make better decisions in his professional life. By prioritizing his mental health, Cowell has experienced positive changes in his overall well-being and work performance, leading to a greater sense of control, happiness, and improved relationships.
Simon Cowell joins Tom to talk about the journey to, and the joys of, discovering therapy. It’s close to Simon’s heart, as he wishes he had not left it so late in life to talk about his own feelings.
For further support and advice around mental health see mind.org.uk