Derek Schaedig is outspoken about his experiences with mental illness because he hopes that it can reduce the stigma and help someone like himself know that it's okay to not be okay.

See chrismcgrory.net for full show notes.

I want to first say I think this episode is the most important one to date.

In this one, I sit down with Derek Schaedig and we talk all things mental health. Back in 2019, Derek was courageous enough to put pen to paper and ink an article chronicling his experience with Major Depressive Disorder - later diagnosed properly as Bipolar II - as a first year student-athlete on the Harvard Hockey team. In this conversation, Derek tells the same story he shared in that article, Down but Not Out, plus a whole lot more.

Specifically, much of our conversation centers around the importance of language — both in how we describe mental illness using words like diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment plus what support networks can say to best be there for those we know who are struggling. Personally, I learned so much from Derek. Explaining mental illness in terms of having "symptoms" really clicked for me and made me realize how unfair my (close minded) judgements have been at points in the past. 

More generally, he taught me how mental illness does not discriminate — I mean on paper, what could be better than being a D1 athlete, playing the sport you love, at a school like Harvard? You'll quickly tell that Derek is upbeat, positive, personable, and more than just what we talk about today — but like I said, mental illness does not discriminate.

Before listening, I do want to preface that we discuss some mental health episodes that may be triggering for some - so, please, use your discretion. With that said, I know there is something for everyone in this one, so please enjoy Derek Schaedig.