We’re All a Little MASKy

We’re talking about mental health in the workplace in this pre-COVID unreleased episode. Eric Kussin, founder of #SameHere, takes us through his work bringing mental health education to schools, athletes, and businesses.

• How much do we really know about mental health? Eric Kussin shares his personal experience with a mental health crisis as an athlete, executive, and brother, and how stigma-filled representations out there led him to start his organization. 

• The hosts talk masculinity contest culture and how leadership and masculinity are not always mutually exclusive. Eric paints a picture of what it looks like to prioritize mental wellness to get results and stresses the importance of embracing different leadership styles.

• Eric reflects on how celebrated overworking is and how understanding that work includes rest and care creates safer workplaces.

COMPANION PIECES:

• UnMASKing the Workplace

• Ya can’t pour from an empty cup! How Men Can Take Better Care of Themselves

• Black Masculinity, Mental Health, and Education

Referenced in this episode

• Kevin Love speaks on mental health

• Carolyn Flack sharing mental health battles before her passing

• Masculinity contest culture

OUR GUEST THIS WEEK:

Eric Kussin, Executive Director at #SameHere Global

Eric Kussin is a 20-year professional sports executive. After five years with the NBA League Office, he rose the ranks with the expansion Chicago Sky, Phoenix Suns. He then switched over to the NHL, working with the New Jersey Devils, & Florida Panthers. However, a debilitating mental health crisis stopped Eric’s quickly ascending career and life in its tracks for over two and a half years. After many failed treatment modalities, he was lucky enough to learn healing practices that enabled him to dig out of his abyss, and found a higher calling, launching a non-profit at the end of 2017 called, We’re All a Little “Crazy,” The #SameHere Global Mental Health Movement.