In this episode of Question It., with its *Trigger Warning*, we are once again discussing suicide and the deep emotional pain that often drives people to it. I share a personal story about a childhood friend who died by suicide and explore the crucial distinction between mental health and emotional health. By understanding how unmet emotional needs shape our behaviors, we can shift our approach to well-being and connection. Join me in rethinking how we support ourselves and others in times of distress.

Key Takeaway: Understanding that emotional pain, not a broken brain, often drives destructive behaviors can help us foster deeper compassion, connection, and support for those struggling—and finally make significant progress toward preventing suicide.

Peace. Love. Connect.

Links/References:

Original Source Article: A Suicide Close To Home & A Plea

https://kevinrstrauss.com/a-suicide-close-to-home-and-a-plea/

uchiTribe Episode Code: Request to join this episodes uchiTribe, for up to 4 weeks after this episode goes live, using the code: QI-34

Here’s the Google Form: https://forms.gle/wgv8mUk8NU9DnHKcA

And a few sample questions we might discuss:

1. When was the last time you felt truly heard and understood by someone? How did that make you feel?
2. What are some ways you’ve tried to cope with emotional pain, and how effective have they been for you?
3. How do you show love and connection to the people closest to you, and how do they show it to you in return?
4. What do you think it means to feel valued, and how can we help others feel more valued in their lives?

Contact Info:

Kevin’s social media is typically: @KevinRStrauss

Website: https://KevinRStrauss.com – Connect directly using the Contact Form there.

Uchi: https://uchiconnection.com – Real conversations. Real connections.

#suicide #SuicideAwareness #emotionalpain #ConnectionSavesLives #peace #love #connect #connection #belonging #questionit #podcast #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #spiritualhealth #relationships

In this episode of Question It., we’re using Google’s Notebook LM to review and summarize an article I wrote about elite athletes “cracking.” We discuss how their struggles are often misinterpreted as mental health problems or weaknesses, when in reality, they are symptoms of poor emotional health and unresolved emotional pain. It's not a breakdown or a sign of mental weakness, but rather a reflection of unmet emotional needs. Tune in to explore how reframing this understanding can provide better support for those who are perceived as having it all together.

Key Takeaway: The key takeaway is that elite athletes "cracking" is not a mental breakdown or weakness, but a symptom of unresolved emotional pain and poor emotional health, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of emotional well-being.

Peace. Love. Connect.

Links/References:

Original Source Article:

• When Compensatory Behaviors No Longer Work — The rise in “mental health” “cracking”. - https://fejguy.medium.com/when-compensatory-behaviors-no-longer-work-8084d8526b63
• Is the Pursuit of Greatness Crushing Us All? | Ep. 32

uchiTribe Episode Code: Request to join this episodes uchiTribe, for up to 4 weeks after this episode goes live, using the code: QI-Ep33-AI

Here’s the Google Form: https://forms.gle/wgv8mUk8NU9DnHKcA

And a few sample questions we might discuss:

1. Does the idea of mental health "cracking" being rooted in unmet emotional health needs and not feeling loved resonate with you? Why or why not?
2. Do you believe that emotional health plays a role in your performance? If so, how?
3. Can you recall a time when you felt overwhelmed by the expectations of others? How did that affect your emotional well-being?
4. How do you distinguish between emotional pain and mental health issues in your own life or in others?

Contact Info:

Kevin’s social media is typically: @KevinRStrauss

Website: https://KevinRStrauss.com – Connect directly using the Contact Form there.

Uchi: https://uchiconnection.com – Real conversations. Real connections.

#mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #love #connection #belonging #relationships #QuestionIt #podcast #unconditionallove #simonebiles #naomiosaka #michaelphelps #tigerwoods #GOAT

In this episode of Question It., with its *Trigger Warning*, I explore how our drive for athletic success is often tied to a form of conditional love—seeking validation and worthiness through achievement. From elite athletes to kids in Little League, I examine how we use sports as a way to meet emotional health needs, striving to feel seen, accepted, and valued. But what if all we truly want is to be loved unconditionally, for who we are beyond our accomplishments? Join me as I question the cultural narratives around sports and consider a healthier path to fulfilling our deeper emotional needs.

Key Takeaway: Our pursuit of success in sports often reflects a deeper longing to be loved unconditionally by our parents, not for what we achieve, but simply for who we are.

Peace. Love. Connect.

Links/References:

Original Source Article: When Compensatory Behaviors No Longer Work — The rise in “mental health” “cracking”.

https://fejguy.medium.com/when-compensatory-behaviors-no-longer-work-8084d8526b63

uchiTribe Episode Code: Request to join this episodes uchiTribe, for up to 4 weeks after this episode goes live, using the code: QI-Ep30

Here’s the Google Form: https://forms.gle/wgv8mUk8NU9DnHKcA

And a few sample questions we might discuss:

1. How do you think society's focus on achievement influences the way we seek love and validation?
2. Have you ever felt that your worth was tied to your performance in an activity? How did that impact you emotionally?
3. When was a time you felt truly loved for who you are, regardless of your achievements or abilities?
4. What messages about success and love do you think children pick up from watching their parents’ reactions to wins and losses?

Contact Info:

Kevin’s social media is typically: @KevinRStrauss

Website: https://KevinRStrauss.com – Connect directly using the Contact Form there.

Uchi: https://uchiconnection.com – Real conversations. Real connections.

#mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #love #connection #belonging #relationships #QuestionIt #podcast #unconditionallove #simonebiles #naomiosaka #michaelphelps #tigerwoods #GOAT