I had an amazing coaching session today that really got me thinking. You see, I was working with someone who lives with schizophrenia, and they want to help others understand mental health better. Here’s what hit home for me.
Starting with a Dream
You know what I love about coaching? Sometimes people come in with these beautiful ideas that just make sense. My client today wants to create a world where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Pretty cool, right? They specifically want to tackle the stigma around schizophrenia because, well, they’ve been there.
Getting Real About Being Real
Here’s where things got interesting. We talked about how to be yourself while also being a leader that others can relate to. My client had been super open on social media – just putting everything out there. It helped them overcome their fears about what others think (which is awesome!), but we had to talk about whether it was helping them reach the people they want to help.
The “Just Be Normal” Trap
Something really powerful came up during our chat. My client often talks to families dealing with schizophrenia, and they hear the same thing over and over: “Just be normal.” Guess what happens when families say this? It backfires. Every. Single. Time.
Why? Well, as my client puts it, telling someone to “just be normal” is like telling them their feelings don’t matter. Of course that leads to anger and hurt! It’s like telling someone with a broken leg to “just walk normally.” Not helpful, right?
Making Change Happen
So here’s what we figured out about being a mental health leader:
– Share your story in ways that help others see themselves
– Connect with people who are going through similar stuff
– Use your experiences to show there’s hope
– Learn how to guide others through their struggles
Finding Your Sweet Spot
The big lesson? You don’t have to choose between being yourself and being professional. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you can be real AND helpful. Like my client said – it’s about showing people there’s more than one way to be “normal.”
What It All Means
You want to know the really cool thing about all this? Change doesn’t happen because someone makes a big speech or writes a fancy book. It happens in small moments – when someone feels understood, when a family learns a better way to talk to each other, when someone realizes they’re not alone.
This whole conversation reminded me why I love what I do. We’re not just talking about making the world a better place – we’re figuring out practical ways to make it happen.
Bottom Line
If you’re out there trying to make a difference in mental health – whether you’re living with it, loving someone who does, or working in the field – remember this: Your voice matters. Your experience matters. And sometimes the best way to lead is just by being real about your journey while keeping your eye on how you can help others with theirs.
Keep it real, friends. 💪
Peter Dempsey – Disability strategist, Consultant.
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Quick note: Being a leader in mental health isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being brave enough to start honest conversations.