In April 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to deliver a TEDx talk at North Carolina State University, where I shared my passion for mental wellness and my mission to help individuals become educated mental wellness consumers. The talk was built around empowering individuals to prioritize their mental wellness, upgrade their emotional and psychological skills, and seek support early and often. As The Mental Health Engineer, I believe that mental wellness is not a luxury but a necessity and that individuals should be in control of their healing journey. In this blog post, I’ll share the key points from my TEDx talk, focusing on why it’s crucial to upgrade your mental health skills, assemble a supportive team, and learn to ask for and receive help as the cornerstone of sustainable success.

Becoming an Educated Mental Wellness Consumer

One of the main points of my TEDx talk was the importance of becoming an educated mental wellness consumer. Too often, people think mental health support is something to seek only when everything is falling apart. This mindset can lead to delayed treatment and prolonged suffering, which can impact every aspect of a person’s life—from their relationships to their careers. In reality, mental wellness should be approached the same way we approach physical health. Just like routine physical checkups and exercise are crucial for a healthy body, regular mental health check-ins and skills development are essential for a healthy mind.

During the talk, I emphasized that just like we upgrade our phones and software, we must upgrade our mental health skills. Mental wellness is not a one-time fix; it requires continuous attention and learning. The world constantly changes, and the stressors we face evolve over time. That’s why it’s so important to stay educated about your mental health, learn new coping strategies, and equip yourself with the tools necessary to thrive in high-pressure environments. After all, investing time and effort into becoming better versions of ourselves mentally makes it easier to handle challenges before they escalate into more serious issues and allows us to pursue lives that feel centered in our goals and personal flow.

Upgrading Your Skills and Tools

Another key aspect of my TEDx talk was the idea that upgrading your skills is just as important for mental wellness as it is for professional success. High achievers are used to upgrading their professional skills—whether it’s through continued education, certifications, or job training. But when it comes to mental health, many people operate under the assumption that the skills they learned in childhood or early adulthood will suffice for life’s growing challenges.

Just like technical or leadership skills, mental wellness skills need constant upgrading. If we’re not evolving in handling stress, processing emotions, and navigating relationships, we’re likely to fall behind and struggle in areas where we could be thriving. Upgrading your emotional regulation, communication, and resilience skills is crucial for dealing with the increasing demands of both personal and professional life. By regularly refining these skills, high achievers can better manage their stress, enhance their emotional intelligence, and achieve sustainable success.

Creating a Support Team

One of the most important lessons I shared was the necessity of creating a supportive team. High achievers often feel the pressure to do it all alone, leading to burnout, isolation, and exhaustion. However, even the most successful individuals rely on a team to help them navigate the complexities of life. As I said in the talk, “You are your greatest asset and your long-term investment.” This means building a support network to guide you through the highs and lows is critical.

Whether it’s a therapist, life coach, mentor, or even a supportive group of friends and family, assembling a team to walk alongside you is key to maintaining balance and mental well-being. High achievers need to feel empowered to ask for help early and often, recognizing that they deserve support just like anyone else. When we create a team to help us on our journey, we strengthen our ability to handle stress and ensure that we are surrounded by people who can offer perspective and guidance.

Giving Ourselves Permission to Seek Support Early as Often as Needed

One of the most powerful messages of my TEDx talk was that we all deserve support early and often. Too many people wait until they are in crisis to ask for help, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Seeking support should be a proactive measure, not a last resort. High achievers, in particular, often feel like they should “power through” challenging times without burdening others, but this mindset can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and even long-term health problems.

Statistics show that untreated stress and mental health issues can have serious consequences. For example, research indicates that untreated chronic stress can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. In high-achieving environments, failure to address mental wellness can result in productivity loss, higher attrition rates, and a delay in reaching important career and personal milestones.

The Importance of Ongoing Mental Wellness Education

Mental wellness is not something you learn once and forget. Just as we adapt to new job roles and life stages, we must adapt our mental health practices to meet the demands of different periods in our lives. That’s why it’s important to teach mental wellness skills on an ongoing basis. Challenges evolve over time, and so should the strategies we use to cope with them. High achievers, in particular, benefit from regularly updating their mental health toolkit, learning new techniques, and refreshing old skills to stay mentally fit for the demands of their fast-paced lives.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Mental Wellness Today

In my TEDx talk, I shared how critical it is for high achievers to become educated mental health consumers, upgrade their skills, build a support network, and seek help early as often as needed. As someone who has worked for over a decade with high achievers in high-pressure environments, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of taking a proactive approach to mental wellness. Remember, you are your greatest asset, and your mental health deserves the same level of investment as any other aspect of your life.

If you’re ready to provide your students, staff, or teams with a rewarding and humorous path to upgrading their mental wellness skills and fostering the positive growth culture your stakeholders deserve, reach out to me today. Together, we can ensure your community achieves sustainable success with balance, joy, and purpose.