Maximizing Life with Our Mental Health, Part 2
As established in Part I, one in five U.S. adults in 2019 lived with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health’s website. No matter if you’re an Associate Editor for a motorsports media outlet or a young racer in the sprint car scene, balancing mental health and breaking the stigmas of mental illnesses are as important as happiness itself.
To most race fans, Aaron Studwell, founder of ExoConsulting, is a trusted weather source on social media each NASCAR race weekend. However, Dr. Studwell, like many Americans, faces struggles with mental health.
Recently, Formula One racer Max Verstappen, in a GP Fans article by Ian Parkes and Nicole Quarles van Ufford, observed how he would not be vocal about his insecurities and mental health, as he felt it would reveal a weakness that could be exploited by his rivals.
Conversely, Dr. Studwell provides candid perspectives.
“To me, there is a context to his quote that is important and can continue the discussion from there,” Dr. Studwell said. “Verstappen said he would not admit any struggles with mental health (publicly) because he wouldn’t want his opponents to take advantage of it. I don’t think there is anything wrong to say we are weaker when we are struggling with mental health issues. It’s not different to saying I have a broken arm, that arm is weaker. We also say, we want to be stronger day to day when we have our struggles with mental health.
“To his point, I don’t think it’s unrealistic that in racing, it could be seen as a competitive disadvantage. Similarly, there have been times in a work environment, where I would be open with my friends outside the office about my mental health issues, but I wouldn’t mention to my boss or my direct reports. Prior to the push towards mental health awareness and acceptance, it was seen as a liability.”
All in all, Dr. Studwell understands the give-and-take nature of being open about mental health struggles, fueling his goal of breaking down stigmas.
“I have been more open with my mental health struggles, both with those around me and on social media,” he said. “At times, I am still reluctant to share those issues because on social media, my outward-facing persona is my company, my brands. People can and do go through social media histories for an ‘ah-ha’ or a ‘gotcha!’ But if someone doesn’t want to work with me because of my history or even current mental health struggles, then I don’t think I would want to work with them either.
“By understanding the struggles that our friends, peers, those around us are facing, the demons they’re fighting, I think we reduce the stigma and people don’t have to hide it. By being able to openly discuss it, I think it helps the person who is suffering to not feel isolated, uncared about, or unwanted.”
Furthermore, Dr. Studwell illustrates his struggles with mental health particularly before and during the onset of the pandemic.
“As someone who struggled with depression pre-pandemic, going into the pandemic wasn’t a change early on,” he said. “There were times when I didn’t leave the apartment for almost two weeks. My trash would stack by the door, only moved for food deliveries.
“How did I manage early on? The simple answer is, ‘poorly.’ I went from completing my Ph.D. remotely, not being able to ‘walk’ for graduation, and having no success in applying for 80+ jobs over the previous 18 months to starting a new company about three months into the pandemic.”
As time progressed, Dr. Studwell kept busy but realized ways he could push toward a better state of mind.
“Being ‘PhDone’ took pressure off me,” he said. “But having a startup put it right back. I started a meditation app and it’s a personal goal to finish work by a certain time at night. I try to give myself more me-time though I am rarely successful.
“One huge benefit that has come out of the pandemic is a Michigan Football alumni group, For Those Who Stayed, has organized a weekly video call. There are occasionally invited speakers about physical and mental health issues, then an open period where we can share our victories of the week and if we are struggling. It is a non-judgmental group of friends and teammates where we can openly share what’s going on in our lives. I also know that if I am having a bad time, I have people I can call.”
Much like the country seeing the light from the long dark tunnel of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Studwell expressed optimism with the stigmas surrounding mental health breaking down as he continues to use his platforms.
“I have found it to be very encouraging,” he said. “Both for the community in general, in addition to the individuals, if a person can understand and acknowledge that they aren’t alone, if they can open up and share, I think they are stronger than they think.”
Written by Rob Tiongson, May 30, 2021
Reach out today and let’s find ways to work together.
Since 2003, ExoConsulting’s founder, Dr. Aaron Studwell, has been part of the NASCAR community, building his reputation as an effective communicator with a passion for the sport and the people in it. Marketing and Social Media Coordinator Stevie Thompson brings her insight and artistic flair to engage our client base. Together, we provide representation and business insights for client success on and off track. Let’s find ways to work together.
If you have made it this far, kudos! And thank you!