Jaaq - Mental Health Made Real

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In this episode of "Man Up / Man Down," hosts David and Volker are joined by Ryan Hopkins, a global best-selling wellbeing author, Chief Impact Officer at Jaaq, and Executive Engagement Advisor at Bupa. The conversation begins with a light-hearted introduction to Ryan's extensive background, including his TED Talk from a toilet, a symbolic act representing his journey from severe anxiety to advocating for mental wellbeing.

Ryan shares his personal story, highlighting a dark period in his life when he suffered from anxiety, bulimia, and depression, which eventually led him to contemplate suicide. He credits his mother for saving his life and describes how he gradually opened up about his struggles, which eventually led to his career in mental health and wellbeing.

The discussion then shifts to Ryan’s work at Jaaq, a mental health platform that provides accessible, clinically validated content in a user-friendly format. The platform features stories from well-known figures and experts, aiming to engage users and provide them with the right information at the right time.

Ryan emphasises that wellbeing is about small, consistent actions, rather than big, overwhelming changes.

Ryan also talks about his book, "52 Weeks of Wellbeing," which offers readers practical tips and questions to help them navigate their own wellbeing journey. He notes that while the book was initially intended to be light-hearted, it evolved into a deeply researched guide, now being translated into multiple languages.

The conversation touches on the challenges of promoting mental health in different industries, particularly in traditionally macho environments like construction. Ryan highlights the importance of meeting people where they are and using language that resonates with them.

As the discussion progresses, Ryan mentions the challenges Jaaq faces, particularly in prioritising their efforts as the platform grows. He stresses the importance of focusing on impactful initiatives and maintaining a balance between ambition and execution.

The episode concludes with Ryan reflecting on the progress made in mental health conversations, noting that while it has become easier to talk about past struggles, there is still a reluctance to discuss ongoing issues.

He advocates for creating environments where people feel safe to talk about their current mental state and stresses the need for businesses to recognise the value of investing in employee wellbeing.