Explore Christian O'Connell's struggle with panic attacks, societal pressure, and seeking help. Learn about the toll of anxiety, the journey to rebuild his life, and the importance of sharing personal struggles for healing and empowerment.
Acknowledging societal pressures on men's mental health.
Importance of seeking help and sharing experiences for mental health recovery.
Deep dives
Podcast Introduction and Acknowledgment
The podcast highlights the importance of acknowledging and respecting indigenous lands by paying homage to traditions of storytelling. It emphasizes the healing power of sharing stories and creating a space for narratives. The speaker, Emily, discusses the inspiration drawn from the resilience of the world's oldest living culture and extends respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Christian O'Connell's Experience with Panic Attacks
The podcast delves into Christian O'Connell's personal experience with panic attacks, highlighting the terrifying nature of these episodes. Christian's vulnerability and openness about his struggles bring empowerment to others facing similar challenges. The conversation sheds light on the pressure men often feel to maintain composure and addresses the stigma surrounding mental health issues, emphasizing the value of sharing experiences to combat feelings of isolation.
Seeking Help and Acceptance
Christian's journey to seeking help for his mental health struggles is discussed, emphasizing the importance of reaching out for support. The podcast captures Christian's initial resistance and gradual acceptance of his anxiety, showcasing the transformative power of therapy and self-acceptance. By sharing his story and breaking the silence surrounding mental health, Christian highlights the path to self-discovery and resilience, encouraging others to seek help and embrace their vulnerabilities.
In 2018, Christian O Connell was one of the most successful people in British Radio, he was on top of his world, and then…the panic attacks began. The attacks got so bad and so regular that he couldn’t perform live and it nearly cost him his career.
In this episode, we revisit Christian’s experience, the physical and mental toll of his panic attacks as well as the societal pressures and expectations he felt as a man - his need to appear strong and provide for his family.
And we hear how he eventually sought for help and started rebuilding his life.