This Week's Featured Speak Out - Adrian's Story

A huge thank you to Adrian from @onthereal_podcast for sharing his story! Definitely check out their podcast / page that is raising awareness and discussing topics around men’s mental health:

“My mental health journey has been a road filled with bumps, potholes, forks and some detours. But what I know most about my journey is that it’s all been about personal growth.
When I was younger I always thought that I’d get to a point in life where I would feel completely devoid of depression or suicidal ideations. That somehow, I would have figured it all out. Instead, what life has taught me is that in those darkest moments where the voice in your head isn’t nice to you, allow yourself some grace. What do I mean by that? I mean, don’t let that voice own you or your thoughts. Push back. Give yourself grace when the pain you endured from child abuse comes creeping back in, grace when you feel like you’re the one to blame for all the trauma, and grace when you can’t stand to look at the person you see in the mirror. Because grace allows you the power to forgive yourself for whatever nasty things you say or feel about yourself, without feeling sorry for yourself.

I’m not saying I’ve mastered the art of grace. I have good days and bad days just like anyone else. But I’ve turned that energy into a passion for helping and inspiring others. Whether it’s from the message I share on my podcast, through my writing or in the one on one experiences with friends or strangers, the goal is to continue inspiring. That is where I have found my purpose. That is where I feel whole.

My advice to others is simple. Allow yourself some grace, find what makes you feel whole, and never pass up on an opportunity to inspire, even if it’s just yourself.”