Reality Check: Unmasking Anxiety in the Spotlight with Michelle Young

Reality television is a large part of our culture. It’s everywhere on every network and platform as viewers are drawn to the ability to see inside the lives of subjects as they live them. If you can name it, chances are reality television has seen it, and while it might seem all glitter and glamour, even reality television stars have problems.

“The teacher, the Bachelorette, the Black Bachelorette, those are the three labels that people have associated with me.” – (Michelle), 30:04

My guest today is Michelle Young. Michelle was a participant in The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Michelle has also dealt with a lifetime of challenges stemming from anxiety, a very real condition that can often cripple victims. Today, Michelle stops by to discuss how she copes with her situation, how being in the public eye impacted her life and anxiety, and how setting boundaries in her personal and professional life has helped her manage and overcome the inherent challenges. She also discusses her love for young children and why being a teacher will always be her passion.

“When I’m at work I needed to be at work, so I’m Ms. Young.” – (Michelle), 26:43

Dealing with anxiety can be an enormous burden to carry and wearing the proverbial mask doesn’t make it any lighter. If you’ve been wondering how others make it through this challenge and need inspiration to help you do the same, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for!

“My value does not decrease just because I’m not in a relationship.” – (Michelle), 41:07

In this episode:

• (3:53) – Growing up in Minnesota.

• (5:30) – How words impact your life.

• (7:38) – Michelle realizes that she has an anxiety disorder late in life. 

• (8:32) – Michelle discusses how physically sick her anxiety and mental health issues made her. 

• (9:15) – Michelle as a basketball player.

• (10:09) – The value of her athletic background. 

• (10:55) – Being on television was different but her anxiety didn’t impede her. 

• (11:40) – Michelle discusses her stint on reality television. 

• (12:25) – Overcoming anxiety is easier according to Michelle when others are depending on you. 

• (13:40) – Danny discusses his childhood family home dynamics.

• (15:10) – Michelle reveals that she misses being in the classroom with children.

• (16:20) – The impact of social media on children of today.

• (18:23) – Danny thinks parents will evolve and learn how to better handle children and social media. 

• (19:07) – The role of music in the future.

• (21:56) – Danny laments the potential impact of his technology trail.

• (22:52) – Danny loses his job over his provocative song. 

• (24:43) – The lingering impacts of social media.

• (25:14) – Michelle talks about life after reality television.

• (25:35) – Challenges on the job while doing reality television. 

• (27:20) – Setting boundaries at work and why it was important for Michelle. 

• (28:40) – Being a Black woman on The Bachelor and the weight of the role. 

• (29:19) – The challenge of racism in reality television. 

• (29:37) – Michelle discusses mental health and being in the public eye.

• (33:26) – Therapy was the way out for Michelle.

• (34:43) – Teachers always have to wear their masks, hiding their mental health issues.

• (37:15) – Danny and Michelle refuse to live with regrets. 

• (39:00) – How regrets and depression are connected.

• (41:18) – Good ene