In this episode of Rise and Find, Blake speaks with Cooper Chapman, a 26-year old professional surfer, motivational speaker and founder of The Good Human Factory, a mental health awareness organization based in New South Wales. 

After finding success at a young age, Cooper began to struggle and eventually lost his longtime sponsor. This led him to take on other jobs, a time that instilled a passion for giving back. Cooper admits that he rested on his laurels and created pressure that wasn’t there. Working outside of sports helped him reexamine his relationship with surfing and learn to love it again.

Part of Cooper’s path to good mental health involved a focus on self-improvement and taking responsibility for his own life. He discovered that different ways of thinking helped him in ways he didn’t expect. This inspired him to share his results with others, and he began The Good Human Factory as a way to prevent suicide and create awareness.

Even though mental health was taught in schools, Cooper felt like something was missing. That’s why he decided to focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. Meditation, gratitude and kindness are all fundamental steps to improving your mind. Vulnerability is important. We should ask ‘why’ and support the people around us by listening. After all, anyone can struggle with mental health. It’s typically the person who seems the happiest who struggles the most.

Unfortunately, many people lack the emotional intelligence and tools to succeed. Far too often, the medical system fails because of its fixation on finding a short term fix, not a solution. Instead, Cooper encourages people to reflect and be present. Look for warning signs in your own health and the health of others. Practice daily maintenance and promote honesty.

While there is no one size fits all solution to mental health, Cooper acknowledges that it’s the reason why he’s so passionate about creating conversations. The more willing people are to talk about mental health, the more lives that can be saved.

Timestamps

(5:38) Becoming elite in your field requires enormous discipline and sacrifice.

(9:17) Always explore different ways of thinking and living. They can calm your mind.

(12:06) Social media is a great platform to inspire people to think about mental health.

(15:54) Real-life stories from prominent names can add credibility to the movement. 

(18:19) Anyone can struggle with mental health. Be empathetic when speaking to others.

(22:22) Sometimes, you just have to appreciate someone else’s perspective. 

(26:03) Big pharma’s overemphasis on medication provides a quick fix and prevents us from discovering and solving the actual root of our anxiety.

(30:34) There is not a one size fits all solution to positive mental health. 

(32:14) Mental health techniques won’t always work. That’s why awareness and early prevention are so important.

(36:52) Listening is the best form of acknowledgment.

(40:38) Social media is a tool, not an escape.

(45:38) At some point in their life, nearly 20% of Australians will be diagnosed with a mental illness. It’s normal and doesn’t deserve to be stigmatized.

(47:03) A good support network is one that promotes honesty and discourages bad behaviors.

(50:17) For Cooper, success comes from increasing the conversation.

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