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In a recent episode of Founders Voyage, Nancy engages in a profound conversation with Christian, a distinguished guest from the competence center for diversity and inclusion at the University of St. Gallen. Christian, who is also pursuing a PhD in organization studies and cultural theory, shares his multifaceted experiences, including his passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, his academic pursuits, and his personal journey with mental health and neurodiversity. This blog post delves into the key themes and insights from their discussion, offering actionable advice and expert recommendations for embracing neurodiversity and fostering mental health awareness.
Understanding the Role of Genetics
Christian begins by discussing the significant role that genetics plays in shaping our mental health and neurodiversity. He reflects on his upbringing, noting that his family's military background led to frequent relocations, exposing him to diverse cultures and environments. This constant change, while enriching, also contributed to his experiences with PTSD. Christian emphasizes that both genetics and environment are a strong factors in neurodiversity.
Environmental Influences
Christian shares that his experiences with racism and trauma, combined with his genetic predispositions, have shaped his understanding of himself and his mental health challenges. He highlights the importance of recognizing the unique experiences of individuals with ADHD and PTSD, rather than generalizing their conditions.
The Journey to Professional Diagnosis and
The Dangers of Self-Diagnosis
Nancy raises the topic of self-diagnosis, in reference to the growing trend of individuals trying to understand their mental health through online resources in place of professional guidance. Christian shares his own journey of seeking a professional diagnosis after struggling with alcohol use as a coping mechanism during a difficult period in his life. He recounts how therapy initially did not provide the clarity he needed, leading him to seek a formal assessment.
Finding the Right Therapist
Christian describes his experience with a therapist who dismissed his concerns about ADHD, which ultimately led him to seek a second opinion. This process highlighted the importance of finding the right therapist and the need for a supportive environment in mental health treatment.
Actionable Advice:
- Seek Professional Help: Avoid self-diagnosing and consult with a mental health professional for an accurate assessment and diagnosis.
- Find the Right Therapist: If your concerns are dismissed, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Finding a therapist who understands and supports your needs is crucial.
The Impact of Diagnosis on Life -
Relief and Clarity
Once Christian received his diagnosis, he felt a sense of relief and clarity. Understanding his ADHD and ASD allowed him to make sense of his behaviors and challenges. The diagnosis opened up discussions about potential treatment options, including medication and therapy.
The Role of Medication and Therapy
Christian chose to start with medication, which required an adjustment period as he learned to incorporate it into his daily routine. He emphasizes the importance of therapy in conjunction with medication, as it provides a space to process thoughts and feelings.
Actionable Advice:
- Embrace Your Diagnosis: A diagnosis can provide clarity and understanding. Use it as a tool to better understand yourself and your experiences.
- Consider Treatment Options: Explore different treatment options, including medication and therapy. Find a combination that works best for you.
Cultural Adaptability, Empathy and
Thriving in Diverse Environments
Christian attributes his ability to thrive in diverse environments to his upbringing and experiences in the military. He learned to engage with people from various backgrounds, which fostered his extroverted nature. He draws parallels between his approach to understanding different cultures and Bruce Lee's philosophy of martial arts—embracing what works and discarding what doesn't.
Building Relationships
Christian's experiences in Brazil and South Africa have further enriched his understanding of cultural dynamics. He expresses a deep appreciation for the connections he has made in these countries, emphasizing the importance of empathy and collaboration in building relationships.
Actionable Advice:
- Embrace Diversity: Engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Learn from their experiences and perspectives.
- Foster Empathy: Practice empathy and understanding in your interactions. Build relationships based on mutual respect and collaboration.
Leaving Things Better Than You Found Them
Nancy and Christian discuss the concept of leaving things better than you found them, a principle that Christian learned from his military background. He reflects on how this mindset can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal relationships and professional environments.
Navigating Difficult Environments
Christian shares insights from Dr. Robert Livingston of Harvard Kennedy School, who suggests three approaches to navigating difficult environments: play the game, change the game, or leave the game. He encourages listeners to recognize when it's time to seek healthier environments where they are appreciated rather than merely tolerated. This may be necessary multiple times at different stages in a peron's life, an environment which may help at one point in your life may hinder in another.
Actionable Advice:
- Adopt a Mindset of Improvement: Strive to leave situations better than you found them. Take initiative to improve your surroundings and relationships.
- Recognize When to Move On: Understand when it's time to seek healthier environments. Don't settle for being merely tolerated; find places where you are appreciated.
The Journey Ahead and
Future Plans
As the episode draws to a close, Christian shares his plans for the future. He is preparing to return to Brazil for his final semester of his PhD program, where he will focus on completing his dissertation. His research centers on a Brazilian jiu-jitsu company that fosters an inclusive environment without formal diversity and inclusion policies.
Commitment to Personal Growth
Christian expresses excitement about the journey ahead, including the opportunity to teach and share his knowledge with others. His commitment to personal growth and understanding reflects his desire to contribute positively to the world around him.
Actionable Advice:
- Pursue Personal Growth: Continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional development. Embrace new challenges and experiences.
- Share Your Knowledge: Use your experiences and insights to educate and inspire others. Contribute positively to your community and beyond.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Christian reiterates the importance of communication and mutual support in fostering healthy relationships. He encourages listeners to engage in honest conversations about their struggles and to seek environments where they can thrive. His journey serves as a reminder that understanding oneself and advocating for mental health awareness can lead to meaningful change, both personally and within the broader community. We conclude with a reminder to reflect on one's own experiences and consider how one can contribute to creating inclusive and supportive environments in one's lives.
Actionable Advice:
- Engage in Honest Conversations: Open up about your struggles and experiences. Foster a supportive environment through communication and mutual understanding.
- Create Inclusive Environments: Strive to create spaces where everyone feels valued and supported. Advocate for mental health awareness and inclusion in your community.
By embracing neurodiversity and fostering mental health awareness, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone. Christian's journey serves as an inspiring example of the power of understanding, empathy, and personal growth.