Happiness Project Podcast Michael Hammond

Why is it we say people who die of cancer were brave in their fight but people who die of suicide are barely mentioned? Because we don't see mental illness for what it is, a terrible disease that is both physical and mental. People who suffer aren't weak, they're sick.

In this episode, we're talking about the life of a brilliant and talented journalist who passed away too soon. When someone suffering from mental illness dies, we tend not to talk about them. Let's change that and talk about their lives. Matt's life is worth remembering.

No one understands you. No one cares. No one can help you. You're all alone. Things will never get better. These are typical thoughts when you're suffering from mental illness. Listen in to find out how you can use these thoughts to tap into a power you might not even know you have.

Have you ever heard of toxic positivity? If not, have a listen and see why telling someone everything's going to be all right is not the way to go. Find out what the alternatives are to false happiness and why they will get you on the road to recovery much more quickly.

Do you know when it's okay to joke that your friend is being crazy and when it's not okay? Let's keep political correctness aside and just stick to the facts. Talking about mental illness isn't the minefield you think it is.

How do you unlearn everything you know as a professional when your entire world changes? Musican Jay Austin of the Hogtown Brass Quintet talks about adjusting expectations and accepting imperfection as a way to maintain mental health in tough times, like the pandemic.