5 minutes with... author, broadcaster and public speaker Josh Roberts
Oliver Matejka
Brand and Comms Lead
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Three years ago, strategy consultant Josh Roberts experienced a mental health crisis. Through writing, public speaking and broadcasting, he's devoted his life to helping others ever since. We sat down to chat about his journey so far, as well as his recent collaboration with Unmind.
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I went to a party and woke up the next morning to discover my mind had collapsed...
What key things drew you to working with Unmind?
I've long admired Unmind's approach to mental health and wellbeing more broadly. Businesses and employers have a vital role to play in bringing about better mental health outcomes. And Unmind is doing so much great work to help them in that endeavour.
What does the statement "We all have mental health, all of the time" mean to you? What is your experience with your own mental health?
About three years ago I went to a party and woke up the next morning to discover my mind had collapsed. Over the course of a few days, I went from being a fun-loving, seemingly successful twenty-something to a hot mess of tears and nerves. Eventually I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Since then, I've been mending my mind, rediscovering happiness and learning to live a nervous life.
What is one way that you take care of your own mental health every day? Why is this habit so important for you?
There are lots of things I do to stay on top of my anxiety; but perhaps the most important is exercise. Going for a run, or a cycle, or doing a class is not only brilliant for brain chemistry, it also allows me to regain a sense of control. It's something I can do, a lever to pull, something in the 'plus' column.
What book would you say has had the biggest positive impact on your life? Why?
There are so many books that have helped me. Some of them I've enjoyed for their advice and message of hope, like Matt Haig's Reasons to Stay Alive. Others I turn to for a bit of distraction or a laugh when things take a turn. Anything and everything from AA Gill would fall into that category.
If you could encapsulate the key piece of wisdom you've acquired over your life in regards to your own mental wellbeing, what would that be?
The idea that it always gets better. It may then get worse, and it may get quite a bit worse; but at some point it will get better. And it's always worth hanging around to experience that.
Unmind members can hear more about Josh's story by listening to our Fireside here. To learn more about what Josh is up to, take a look at his website.
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