This week, we are on a mission with Taylor James for some real, frank, and honest discussions about the importance of open conversations surrounding mental health.
We get brutally honest about our own experiences with mental health and the unspoken challenges people face when they reach out for support to no avail. The societal pressure we face to appear "put together" is real. In this week's episode, we discuss how to avoid the very real danger of comparing ourselves to others and the constant need for validation that we've been programmed to chase.
Taylor's story is laced with tragedy, resilience, and inspiration. Now an award-winning podcaster, he uses his platform as a much-needed force for positivity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

It's essential to have a support network that truly listens and validates your feelings. Taylor highlights the importance of finding the right people to talk to, as not everyone will provide the support needed. Sometimes, seeking help from professionals or helplines like Samaritans can be more beneficial.
Comparing oneself to others and seeking validation from external sources can be detrimental to mental health. Taylor encourages individuals to focus on their own journey and give themselves what they need, rather than trying to impress or conform to societal expectations.
Unsolicited advice can be unhelpful and even harmful. Sometimes, simply having someone listen without judgment can make a significant difference.
Transparency and honesty about mental health struggles can be challenging, especially when one is seen as an advocate for positive mental health.

BEST MOMENTS
"I'm so tired of this kind of generation of thinking, like we have to impress people. I'm going to do what I need to do that makes me feel better."
"I don't need to be told what to do. I just need to be told that in some shape or form I'm gonna be okay and what I'm feeling right now isn't going to last forever."
"If you've not had any experience of mental health or been as far as to have those extreme dark thoughts, perhaps you might not have thought about it in that way."
"I just don't want to be part of that. I think it's almost a bit of a toxic culture"
VALUABLE RESOURCES
On A Mission - https://omny.fm/shows/on-a-mission  
Taylor James - h https://uk.linkedin.com/in/taylorpattinson?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
ABOUT THE HOST
Not so long ago, life was barely recognisable for Ellie McKay, raising three children under five, battling post-natal depression, facing redundancy and walking into the job centre to claim benefits with a double pram, no confidence, and wracked with insecurities.
Fast forward to today, and life looks very different. Ellie committed to turning her life around for herself and her family. Following this commitment, she got to work and has now built multiple successful companies, as well as having created a multimillion-pound property portfolio from a standing start.
Ellie is now on a mission to make a positive impact and add value to others through her podcast which has attracted phenomenal guests worldwide. The show is specifically to help those trying to reach their full potential through its inspirational and motivational content, as well as challenging conventional wisdom to discuss all the “hot topics” in a relentless pursuit of the truth.
CONTACT METHODS:
Website: http://www.elliemckay.com
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/ellie-mckay/
Facebook: Facebook.com/ellie.mckay.3150
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellie_mckay_official?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
OAM Instagram: https://instagram.com/onamissionshow?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EllieMckay This show was brought to you by Progressive Media