In this engaging discussion, Alexi Pappas, an Olympic athlete and author, Rangan Chatterjee, a physician known for his functional medicine approach, and Sarah Lee, an Iraq War veteran, tackle the complexities of mental health. They dive into personal stories of depression, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the transformative power of therapy. The trio emphasizes vulnerability in sports and life, advocating for community support as a path to healing. Together, they explore actionable strategies for overcoming mental health challenges, making the conversation both enlightening and inspiring.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Prioritize Emotional Well-being
Address emotional discomfort early, before it escalates into a crisis.
Don't dismiss negative emotions; they signal a need for attention and potential change.
insights INSIGHT
Therapy's Biggest Hurdle
The biggest barrier to therapy is the unconscious fear of necessary change.
True therapeutic progress requires both vulnerability and accountability for subsequent actions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Cotty Protest
Berlin residents protested an eviction, leading to unexpected community connections.
Nuria, facing eviction, found solace through shared experiences during the protest.
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Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas
Alexi Pappas
In 'Bravey,' Alexi Pappas shares her experiences as an Olympic athlete, actress, and filmmaker. The book is a memoir-in-essays that delves into her life, including her childhood, her Olympic debut in 2016, and her battle with post-Olympic depression. Pappas discusses the importance of embracing pain, celebrating victories, and finding joy and loyalty in teammates. She offers practical advice on how to be brave, overcome hardships, and achieve one's dreams through hard work and determination.
Lost Connections
Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions
Johann Hari
In 'Lost Connections', Johann Hari explores the increasing rates of depression and anxiety in the Western world. Through a 40,000-mile journey interviewing experts and visiting various communities, Hari identifies nine causes of depression and anxiety, all centered around the theme of disconnection. These causes include disconnection from meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status and respect, the natural world, and a hopeful or secure future. The book also delves into the role of genes and brain changes. Hari argues that traditional solutions focusing on chemical imbalances are insufficient and proposes alternative solutions based on reconnection, such as social prescribing, community engagement, and addressing societal issues like inequality and lack of social security.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed
Lori Gottlieb
In 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone,' Lori Gottlieb presents a dual narrative where she recounts her experiences as a psychotherapist working with various patients and as a patient herself, seeking therapy after a sudden and devastating breakup. The book introduces several patients, including a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed diagnosed with terminal cancer, a senior citizen contemplating ending her life, and a young woman struggling with alcoholism and poor relationship choices. Through these stories, Gottlieb sheds light on the therapeutic process, highlighting the complexities of human emotions, the importance of connection, and the universal quest for meaning and inner reconciliation. The book is known for its candid and humorous approach, offering insights into the human condition and the transformative power of therapy.
The War of Art
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
For too long, talking about mental health has been a social taboo.
Shame prevents confronting our struggles. The pressure of our daily lives exacerbates the problem. Compound that with society’s lack of mental health education and you create an epidemic of mental health disorders ranging from chronic stress and anxiety to loneliness and depression. PTSD. And of course, suicide.
The solution to these problems is complicated. But it always begins with talking about them.
Today we do just that. Introducing a masterclass on all things mental health, my second in a new ongoing series of compilation-based deep dives.
The conversations excerpted for this episode feature some of the best, most inspiring exchanges I’ve had on the topic of mental health, with practical takeaways and bite-size chunks of advice that you can apply in your life today.
The full episodes for guests featured in this episode can be enjoyed here:
Note: If you missed our first deep dive, a masterclass on all things microbiome, click here.
Final Note: This conversation traverses difficult emotional terrain. If you are struggling, please raise your hand and reach out for help. For a catalog of resources, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness and if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, know you’re not alone. I encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1(800) 273 – TALK.
I sincerely hope you find this experiment helpful, instructive, and inspiring.
The Rich Roll Podcast 
