Hello and welcome to the Heal Yourself with Sarah Dawkins podcast. In this episode, we're joined by Barry Kerry, a health and fitness coach, entrepreneur, public speaker and mental health first-aider. Barry’s incredible story of transformation from battling severe depression to becoming an elite athlete and published author is a testament to the power of resilience. Barry opens up about his journey, sharing deeply personal experiences from his childhood in Ireland, including the tragic loss of his father and the struggles with bullying and anxiety. He recounts how these early traumas, coupled with a cultural reluctance to discuss mental health, laid the groundwork for future challenges. This episode offers an honest look at the dark moments Barry faced, including his lowest point where he attempted to end his life. He shares the pivotal moment that changed everything and the actionable strategies that helped him heal, including journaling, breathwork, cold water therapy and finding a strong support network. Join us as we explore how Barry turned his life around and discover his number one piece of advice for anyone struggling with their own mental health journey: never give up on yourself. This conversation is a powerful message of hope and a guide to finding your own path to healing. Time Stamps 01:35 Early Trauma & Mental Health: Barry reveals how the tragic death of his father and a childhood of bullying in rural Ireland set the stage for his future mental health struggles. 04:12 Suppressing Emotions: Learn how growing up in a culture that didn't discuss mental health led Barry to suppress his feelings, which he says "haunted" him for years. 06:30 The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety & Depression: Discover how severe health anxiety and panic attacks were the first signs of Barry’s long-term battle with depression and a turning point in his life. 10:07 The Road to Relapse: An honest look at how Barry’s initial recovery, including running his first marathon, was derailed by a new trauma and a return to suppressing emotions. 19:09 From Rock Bottom to Revelation: In a powerful and deeply moving moment, Barry recounts his suicide attempts and the life-changing realization he had in a hospital bed that he was meant to survive. 23:15 The Keys to Healing: Explore the non-physical methods Barry used to recover, including journaling, breathwork, visualization and creating a strong support network to overcome his trauma. 27:25 Transformation & Resilience: Witness the incredible transformation of Barry from a broken man to an elite athlete, published author and mental health advocate, offering hope and inspiration to others. 31:27 Tip for Healing Depression: Never give up, believe in yourself, rewire your brain, work on yourself every day, get outside, cold water therapy Barry's Bio Barry Carey is a Health & Fitness Coach, entrepreneur, public speaker, elite athlete and mental health first aider. But behind all those titles is a powerful story of transformation, from battling depression to completely turning his life around. Connect with Barry https://www.facebook.com/barry.carey.71 https://www.instagram.com/careybarry/ Who am I? Sarah is a Holistic Health and Healing Coach, International Speaker and the Author of HEAL YOURSELF.She’s also a Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur and Award Winning Host of the popular health-focused podcast, Heal Yourself with Sarah Dawkins. As a former Registered Nurse with over twenty years of medical experience, Sarah brings a unique, integrative perspective to her work. Sarah’s expertise spans from self-healing multiple chronic health issues to supporting clients in uncovering and addressing the root causes of their symptoms, empowering them to achieve vibrant, lasting health and transformative wellness.www.sarahdawkins.com #darknightofthesoul #depressionhelp #depressionawareness #darkthoughts #suicidalthoughts #healingdepression #physicalfitness #eliteathlete
