

Mental Health, Processing Loss, and Finding Happiness | Zak Williams
Sep 15, 2021
Zak Williams, son of the late Robin Williams and co-founder of PYM, shares his journey through mental health challenges and the importance of daily rituals for well-being. He reflects on his emotional struggles following his father's death and offers strategies for coping with anxiety and PTSD. Zak emphasizes the healing power of helping others and discusses the impact of family dynamics on mental health. He also highlights the mission of PYM in promoting natural mental health solutions and the significance of community support during difficult times.
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Early Mental Health Challenges
- Zak Williams's early life was marked by obsessive traits, anxiety, and later, PTSD after his father's suicide.
- He used alcohol to self-medicate, but this proved unsustainable.
Mental Health Hygiene
- Establish a mental health hygiene ritual, including gratitude lists, self-check-ins, and connecting with loved ones.
- Prioritize nutrition, fitness, and therapeutic support like mindfulness or meditation.
Alcohol and OCD
- Zak Williams initially used alcohol to manage obsessive thinking, but this worsened his condition.
- Addressing the root causes of OCD became possible only after achieving sobriety.