Laughter swirls around me, loud and echoing, but I can barely hear it over the sound of the pounding in my chest. My heart is racing, a wild drum slamming against my ribs with a sound so loud I wonder if anyone else can actually hear it. My face is burning, but my hands are ice cold.My fingers are tingling as if they don't even belong to me anymore. The ground beneath me is unsteady. Feels like the floor is tilting, but also like the whole world is threatening to tip me over.I scanned the room for an escape ...

I was having a panic attack and no one could tell. I sat down beside my partner. I took his hand and I said, "Baby, I think I'm having a panic attack. " He pulled me in for a hug, gently patted me on the back like I had stubbed my toe and I needed comfort, which was sweet, but far too calm for the war zone that I was feeling on the inside. Because on the outside I looked composed. I always look composed. That's the problem. We reward composure. We worship overachieving. But what if the version of you that l ...

[Music] Now, my name is Hassan Assad, but I have a few different identities depending on where you know me from. If you're a professional wrestling fan, like millions of people around the world, you might know ME AS THE HALF MAN, HALF AMAZING BALLERIN SUPERSTAR MONTEL VONTAVIUS PORTER, MVP, but I'm also a practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. And last year I achieved the rank of black belt. And when you achieve the rank of black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, your title isn't sensei like in karate.Your title i ...

Overcoming Adversity & Personal Growth - The speaker shares their personal journey of overcoming anxiety and panic attacks, transforming fear into a source of strength and self-discovery [2][3][4][10][11] - The speaker initially used anxiety as an excuse to avoid challenges but later realized the importance of facing fears to achieve goals [7][8] - Small actions and consistent effort are key to overcoming fear and achieving personal growth [8][9][12] - Embracing difficulties and viewing them as opportunities for self-development is crucial [11][13] Mental Health & Performance - Anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms like numbness, racing heart, and temporary paralysis [3][4] - Facing fears, such as public speaking and competition, can lead to the disappearance of anxiety symptoms [8][9] - The speaker's experience highlights the potential for individuals with anxiety to achieve success in competitive fields like golf [6][9] Mindset & Achievement - Shifting from avoidance to active engagement with fears is essential for overcoming anxiety [8][9] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses and taking small steps towards change [8][12] - Overcoming anxiety can lead to significant achievements, including scholarships and success in competitions [9][10]

Mental Health & Vulnerability - The talk addresses the universal stigma surrounding vulnerabilities, especially mental health, affecting almost every society [13][24] - It emphasizes the importance of accepting and understanding one's vulnerabilities as a part of oneself, rather than something to be ashamed of [22][23] - The speaker shares personal experiences with panic attacks and PTSD, triggered by the sound of airplanes due to past trauma [6][10] - The talk highlights the significance of finding support systems, such as friends or peer mentors, to navigate vulnerabilities and seek professional help when needed [16][17][18] Overcoming Challenges & Relapse - Relapsing is reframed as a threshold, a temporary setback that can lead to increased strength, wisdom, and knowledge [21][22] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding in dealing with mental health challenges and preventing relapse [19] - The talk encourages sharing vulnerabilities with others to encourage acceptance and break down the stigma surrounding mental health [23][24] Personal Growth & Perspective - The speaker initially struggled with settling into a new environment and culture, but later realized the biggest challenge was dealing with personal trauma [5][6] - The experience of living near an airport triggered PTSD and panic attacks, highlighting the impact of environmental factors on mental health [6][7] - The speaker's journey involves seeking therapy, hiding it from others, and eventually finding the courage to share experiences and perspectives [11][16][20]