What Mental Health Means to Me: A Journey of Growth and Resilience

Mental health is the backbone of everything I do, and I firmly believe it’s about far more than just “feeling good.” It’s the foundation for strength, focus, and resilience—the qualities that enable me to navigate life’s challenges, find balance, and pursue my passions to their fullest potential. My own journey has shown me that mental wellness is not just an abstract idea; it’s a daily commitment to self-care, introspection, and growth.

2015: A Turning Point

In 2015, while transitioning to programming for athletes and managing group fitness classes, I had a revelation about the deep connection between mental and physical health. One of my clients was physically in peak form but mentally burnt out. That experience made me realize that true fitness requires both physical conditioning and mental resilience. Since then, I've integrated mental wellness as an essential part of every program I design.

Daily Habits for Mental Health

Every day, I practice meditation, reflective journaling, and movement. These habits are my mental health anchors, helping me stay clear-headed and grounded. Meditation calms my mind, journaling offers a safe space for reflection, and even a simple walk releases endorphins that keep me balanced.

Stress Management: One Step at a Time

When stress hits, I don’t let it overwhelm me. I break down overwhelming situations into smaller, manageable steps and take a few minutes to reset mentally. Deep breathing and reframing the problem often help me regain focus and confidence to move forward.

Cold Showers and Sauna Sessions: My Self-Care Go-To’s

Cold showers and sauna sessions have become two of my favorite self-care activities, boosting both mental clarity and physical recovery. I also make it a priority to spend time outdoors—being in nature is my ultimate mental reset.

Evolving My Approach to Mental Health

Initially, I viewed mental health as a private issue. But over time, I began to see how it impacts every aspect of my life—relationships, work, and physical performance. Now, I take a holistic approach, where body and mind are deeply interconnected, influencing each other every day.

The Importance of Relationships

My support system plays an irreplaceable role in my mental health journey. Having a supportive circle lifts me in difficult moments, grounding and inspiring me. The people around me encourage me to keep pushing forward and remind me to stay true to myself.

My Advice for Others: Reach Out

If you’re struggling, don’t isolate yourself. It’s natural to feel down sometimes, but remember there are people who care. Reach out to someone you trust or consider professional help. Small steps, like a simple conversation, can lead to powerful transformations.

Challenging Negative Self-Talk

When I encounter negative self-talk, I acknowledge it without judgment and remind myself that thoughts don’t define who I am. Then, I challenge those thoughts with logic—examining the evidence for and against them. Positive affirmations and reminders of past successes help me shift away from negativity.

Resources That Helped Me

Books like The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday have transformed my view on challenges, showing me how obstacles can be reframed as growth opportunities. I also tune into podcasts like The Mindset Mentor, which keeps me grounded and motivated to stay on my path.

Fighting the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

It’s unfortunate that mental health stigma still exists, but I believe in breaking it by openly talking about mental health. Sharing our stories and being honest about struggles can normalize conversations that ultimately save lives.

Therapy’s Role in My Journey

Therapy has been an anchor for me in times of self-doubt, offering clarity and practical tools for managing emotions. I view therapy not as a sign of weakness but as a form of strength.

Achieving Work-Life Balance

To avoid burnout, I set clear boundaries for personal time, scheduling downtime and honoring it. “Unplugging” daily is non-negotiable for me; it’s essential for rejuvenating and coming back to work with fresh energy.

A Shift in Perspective: Mental Health and Peak Performance

Seeing friends burn out from physical training and life stress showed me that physical wellness is incomplete without mental health. True well-being is holistic—our mental state affects everything we do.

Small Habits That Make a Big Impact

Practicing gratitude each morning, setting daily intentions, and prioritizing sleep are simple habits that have had a massive impact on my well-being. Over time, these small routines accumulate into a powerful foundation for a balanced, fulfilling life.

Social Media: Balancing Connection and Comparison

While social media connects us, it can also lead to comparison traps. I stay mindful of who I follow and limit my engagement, especially at night. This helps me focus on what truly matters in my life.

Mental Health Misconceptions

One common misconception about mental health is that it’s a weakness. But real strength lies in acknowledging struggles and facing them—not by pretending they don’t exist.

Signs to Check In On My Mental Health

I know it’s time to pause and reflect if I start feeling fatigued, irritable, or unmotivated. When these signs appear, I make a conscious effort to slow down, adjust my routines, and refocus.

The Ongoing Mental Health Journey

Mental health is an ongoing journey, not a destination. No one has it all together every moment, and that’s perfectly okay. Embracing this truth has helped me stay resilient and compassionate with myself and others.

My Support System: The Backbone of My Resilience

I’m deeply grateful for my support system, who provide encouragement when I need it and honest feedback that keeps me grounded. They remind me that I’m not alone on this journey and that we’re stronger together.

About Tyler Clarke

Tyler Clarke is a mental health advocate, coach, and wellness enthusiast dedicated to empowering others through fitness and personal growth. Passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health, Tyler integrates a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing both mental and physical resilience in his coaching and daily life.


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This Image was provided by Tyler Clarke. 

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