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]