Here our host will talk about how mental health can affect your ability to get out of the house and live your life. Many people find their mental health so debilitating that they struggle with even the most simple day to day tasks like personal hygiene or leaving the house to go to the shops. Today we talk about some tips that might be able to help

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In this episode of Rise and Find, Blake speaks with Molly Jane, a speaker, mental health advocate and co-founder of the app, Bloom: Better You.

To begin, Molly shares her story and how a commitment to personal development led to acceptance and self-love. Mental fitness is not just a one-time thing. Like any other form of exercise, it is a daily decision to better yourself through hard work, fate and trust.

This transformational journey is part of what inspired Molly to create Bloom. By sharing the tools that she learned after her marriage ended, Molly hopes to inspire others to take the time to ground themselves before a crisis begins. That’s why Bloom offers a resource for everyone, from movement exercises to guided meditations and even games. 

Personal boundaries and resilience are the key to lasting change. While it’s difficult to stop a habit, it’s important to persevere. Blake is beginning to see this in his own life. By adjusting his morning routine, he’s been able to take control of the day before it takes control of him. 

Working to improve yourself is one of the least selfish things you can do. By acting as your own guru, you have the opportunity to listen to your needs and show-up better in every situation. Often what you see as your biggest flaw is your greatest gift. Personal growth means you’re always growing. Self-love gives you the freedom to accept yourself.

In this respect, Molly and Blake believe it’s important own your story. Awareness takes away the stigma and makes it easier for others to share. Molly explains this in terms of her time during COVID-19. Because of her journey, she felt prepared to help anyone who might need support.

Even though it’s been difficult, the challenges of 2020 have caused an important shift in our lives. Not only have we gained mental toughness, but we’ve also reconnected with ourselves and been forced to realign our priorities. This will make us ready when a crisis comes. By building the foundation in advance, medication might become unnecessary in most situations.

Unfortunately, the world often works against us. While the government and news seek to dumb us down, we do not have to give in to the enablers in our lives. Having a strong support system means asking the important questions and backing them up with action. Having an open mind, can make all the difference, especially on social media. Always ground yourself and build toward the future. Mindfulness can look however you want it to.

Topics and Quotes

• Molly introduces herself. (1:18)
• Exercising your mental fitness. (2:55)
• The origins of Bloom. (7:23)
• “The message will never change, but the medium will change over time.” (10:59)
• Shifting the narrative around mindfulness. (18:36)
• “Things that you might think are your biggest weaknesses are actually your biggest gifts.” (22:30)
• Blake’s story. (28:10)
• How Molly was prepared for COVID-19. (34:01)
• “I don’t believe 2020 is a bad thing, I believe it’s the best thing to happen. I believe we all chose to be here at this time. I believe it was the shaking of a structure that was no longer working that is giving us an opportunity to rebuild on a larger scale and in our own personal lives the way we really want to live.” (36:33)
• When medication is necessary. (38:42)
• Our enabling world. (43:30)
• Asking for help. (47:18)
• The progress in schools. (53:32)
• “Ground yourself before you start the day however that looks.” (57:51)

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In this episode of Rise and Find, Blake speaks with Mel Yu, a motivational speaker, mental health advocate and host of the podcast, ‘The Authentic Me.’ In 2017, she founded MCO Events, a corporate and private events organization based in Melbourne.

To begin, Mel talks about the impact of COVID-19 on her business and how it led to a shift towards personal development and coaching. As a society, we have stopped listening and we need to return to kindness as a fundamental tool of interaction. While suicide rates are not ‘technically’ up during the pandemic, the real impact remains to be seen. More than ever, it’s important to practice self-awareness and be open to dialogue, even if it feels a bit weird.

Mel emphasizes the importance of becoming a victor over your circumstances, not a victim. Even though the pandemic initially made her uncomfortable, she decided to double down on her gratitude and is confident that she will come out stronger in the end. One of her favorite ways to practice positivity is through meditation. By taking control and finding a routine, we can quiet the chaos in our mind and be truly present in our lives. 

Unfortunately, it is human nature to say that we’re fine. That’s why it’s important to be consistent and check-in on your friends. Showing that you care proves that you’ll be there if anything goes wrong. This is true for men and women. Despite biological differences, mental health struggles exist on both sides. We must create a safe space to share our problems.

Each of us is unique. Mel encourages everyone to discover the ‘why’ in your life. Reject the lie of social media and be conscious of what you’re consuming. The most uncomfortable questions can change your life. When you figure out your purpose, it will translate to everything you do.

Just remember that anxiety comes in many forms. Medication is helpful, but it is not a substitute for being mindful. Early education is key, as well as understanding you’re not alone. Start your day with gratitude and believe you’re okay. Each day is a chance to take control of your life.

Timestamps

(2:58) Kindness is the foundation to suicide prevention. Be willing to listen and truly hear what others are saying.

(7:28) Due to the pandemic, reaching out is more important than ever. We will appreciate face-to-face meetings when the time to gather together comes again.

(14:13) Practice positivity. You wouldn’t let someone speak to you how you speak to yourself.

(22:43) Checking-in when someone doesn’t need help proves that you’ll be there when they do.

(26:05) We must be courageous and dig deeper. Surface-level relationships don’t inspire change.

(30:25) Mental health is not a problem exclusive to men or women. There are biological differences, but an open dialogue must be had by all.

(32:50) Questioning someone’s qualifications based on age or gender is limiting on their part.

(35:16) You control whether to buy-in to the lie of social media. Become a gatekeeper and choose healthy habits.

(40:17) Only the most confronting and honest questions can give you the answers that you need.

(46:34) Suffering is inevitable. Be prepared for when it comes.

(48:45) Medication is not a standalone solution. Life tools are essential in regaining control.

(51:25) You are not alone. Don’t hesitate to seek help.

(53:50) Be present in life. Everything that you do can be mindful.

(57:51) No matter what, you are okay. Practicing gratitude helps you appreciate what you have.

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In this episode of Rise and Find, Blake speaks with Drew Brauer, a Cairns-based musician and founder of Kick On, a mental health charity that seeks to connect, empower and inspire.

To begin, Drew talks about growing up in a small town and the stigma that still exists when discussing mental health. After his fiancée pulled out of their wedding, Drew realized that he had no idea how to handle adversity. He did everything wrong, isolating himself and refusing to talk about it for weeks. It wasn’t until later that he realized he needed to make a change.

Drew did what any rational person would do and quit his job. He started to volunteer and discovered that his experience had given him a passion for mental health. Kick On began as a response to fill a gap in the market. Drew decided to tailor each program specifically to whatever demographic they were speaking to in order to make it relatable for the audience.

The most at-risk group for mental health challenges is men between the ages of 17-50. This is because most men refuse to talk about their problems. Instead, they need to notice their emotions and dwell on what’s positive. When you listen to others, you give them permission to share their story. Heartbreak connects us all and no one is immune to an unexpected challenge.

This is especially important in the FIFO industry. Even though it seems exciting, it can be extremely isolating if work mates are not looking out for each other. Talk about your problems and raise awareness to look for changes in routine, or habits. This can make a huge difference.

What doctors don’t often mention is that having an unhealthy lifestyle is directly tied to poor mental health. Diet, sleep and exercise are the most important tools you have, and bad decisions can snowball and affect every area of your life. Ask ‘why’ you feel a certain way and change the narrative. Train your mind to be grateful and look for a healthy outlet to cultivate your feelings. 

No matter what you do, be aware of your media consumption. While technology has expanded our access to essential tools, it has also created unique challenges when it comes to managing our interactions and avoiding bullies. Love yourself and understand your emotions. Embrace who you are and take responsibility for your life. Only then will you truly have the power to change.

Timestamps

(2:02) Mental health is a serious issue in small towns where a ‘tough guy’ mentality still exists.

(4:00) Technology is both helpful and our greatest killer.

(8:30) Men are an at-risk group because they are often unwilling to share their feelings.

(13:27) Heartbreak can come in many forms. Notice your emotions and build on the positives.

(19:42) In the FIFO industry, your coworkers, not your family, bear the primary responsibility to check on your mental health.

(25:14) You must adopt a growth mindset and focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.

(25:53) An unhealthy lifestyle directly leads to poor mental health. By examining your diet, sleep and exercise habits, you can usually discover the root of your problems.

(32:34) Lack of sleep can have a negative effect on almost every area of your life.

(37:12) Self-awareness is the first step to reprogramming your mind.

(43:07) Depression and anxiety are the symptom of your habits being out of balance. 

(46:03) Being isolated or ostracized produces the same feeling, just through different avenues.

(49:58) If something isn’t going to affect you, there is no reason to let it control your thoughts.

(50:58) Embrace who you are and don’t be afraid to try something new.

 (53:37) When you take responsibility for your life, the power is in your hands.

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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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In this episode of Rise and Find, Mindfull Aus founder Matt Runnalls tells his story of depression and recovery and how you can support your loved ones through similar battles. Matt kicks off this discussion by talking about how men are not really predisposed—or even prepared—to be able to talk about their mental health or fits of anxiety and depression. Because of this, they either don’t talk about it, or they suffer under the weight.

Having seen suicide far too many times, Matt is familiar with the signs. He urges listeners to reach out to friends and family and let them know you really do care about them. Find ways to show them your love. The sign that is almost never talked about, Matt says, is the “mask.” The people closest to suicide will almost never look like the disheveled messes that we’re often told to look for. In fact, they will probably start to appear as though they are carrying themselves well. This can be alarming, but it’s not always a good sign. Matt shares from his own experience that when he had made up his mind, he started cleaning his room and left every conversation with joy—so no one would have to worry.

The key takeaway is that you can help people around you by paying attention to their needs and really showing up. Things aren’t always going to feel normal, but people need to know that their suffering is not in vain, and that they have people in their circles who can share that load and help them carry it. Life doesn’t have to be meaningless. There is joy in seeing the betterment of someone else, as Matt says.

TOPICS WE COVER AND WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM:

(5:20): Matt explains why he founded Mindful Aus to help people fight stigma and regain a sense of hope.

(9:00): Men are not really equipped to talk about their emotional states without being seen as feminine.

(12:30): Stress, pain and trauma are the things that build resilience. We all want resilience, but we tend to run from the difficult circumstances that build it in us.

(14:45): Enduring the lockdowns was especially difficult for Matt. He talks about removing the things that made lockdown difficult, like alcohol.

(16:50): Matt says that logistically, he was able to accomplish more in lockdown than he would have if he’d been on the road. We need to make the most of our situations.

(20:00): Matt urges us to call and check in on our friends. It’s our own responsibility to stay close to the ones we love. And there is no excuse for missing signs and symptoms of deteriorating mental health in a friend. Being “busy” included.

(25:00): Being proactive and taking your life back into your own hands.

(28:45): Some of the most common symptoms of someone contemplating suicide.

(31:30): We can prevent people from taking their own lives by showing up and caring, and not just saying that we’ll do that.

(36:50): We are all professionals. We all know what it’s like to struggle and deal with pain, and we can help our friends in the wake of health services.

(41:00): You can rewire your brain to think differently about your negative interactions and emotions.

(46:00): You have to step into vulnerability to remove a shell we are just carrying around.

(51:00): Reinforcing with positive habits is key to putting the next foot forward.

(55:30): Early intervention at Mindfull Aus.

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In this episode of Rise and Find, Blake introduces the podcast and explains how it came about. Rise and Find originally began as a fun outlet, but it wasn’t until Blake started an Instagram page that he realized how many likeminded people were out there. For Blake, fishing was how he coped with his mental health. For others, it was activities like surfing, meditation or working out.

Even though everyone has a different ‘happy place’, it’s important to understand that there’s always someone who can relate. Blake expanded Rise and Find through a desire to offer support and give people the opportunity to share the experiences and tools that have been effective for them. In the podcast, he will discuss topics like mindfulness and suicide awareness, as well as difficult conditions such as anxiety and bipolar disorder. Blake will also touch on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and fitness, and how this plays a role in mental health.

Rise and Find will feature a number of guests from different industries who will present strategies and ideas that they’ve implemented in their own lives. Blake recognizes that this issue is not a ‘one size fits all’ matter, which is why he invites listeners to participate and share their own stories. Being open about his struggles has been empowering for Blake’s personal journey.

One of the most important elements of Rise and Find will be its unscripted nature. Instead of over editing and sugarcoating each story, Blake intends to keep them as true to their original form as possible. He wants the podcast to be like sitting down and talking with a friend. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is listen. Blake provides resources that can be used when you need additional help.

Timestamps

(1:46) Everyone has, and needs, their own outlet to deal with mental health.

(2:17) Upcoming topics include mindfulness, mental health conditions, suicide awareness and a healthy lifestyle.

(2:55) No two people are alike. Blake wants to spread love and help others with their journey.

(3:22) Sharing his own story has been empowering to Blake. He wants to offer that feeling to others through this podcast.

(3:32) We must break down the barriers to remove the stigma from talking about mental health.

(4:09) Rise and Find’s ‘no editing’ approach is intentional. Blake wants the focus to be on real conversations and solutions. 

(6:33) It’s important to seek help if you need it.

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