Keith Walsh has navigated his recovery from burnout in the public eye. Now, he’s found a renewed purpose through sharing what he’s learned along the way.
Following a rich career as an esteemed broadcaster Keith Walsh has emerged as a prominent mental health advocate. Here, Walsh candidly shares the toll his career took on his personal wellbeing and the pivotal moment that led him to prioritise his mental health. Embracing therapy as a cornerstone of his healing, Walsh reflects on his evolution from therapy advocate to mental health champion, leveraging his platform to foster candid discussions and challenge societal stigmas.
What inspired you to take on the role of mental health advocate?
“I worked for RTE for seven years and in breakfast radio for 20 years, that takes its toll on personal and social life. Towards the end of my time with RTE and 2FM, and the way it finished meant I had probably burnt out. One of the first things I did was book myself in to see a therapist. As my 30’s rolled on and I was getting more tired from working early mornings I was looking after my nutrition and fitness more, doing yoga classes and trying to meditate, but this was the first time I had considered therapy, I did a year of it and it was the best thing I ever did.
“I was asked to do a talk on International Men’s Day and while preparing, I decided to talk about going to therapy. I did an Instagram live and I talked about my experience and how much I learned over the process. The reaction was great. I had never thought of myself as a mental health advocate, I would say I am a therapy advocate. For me talk therapy was great, so many things shifted for me over this process. I now live more mindfully.”
How do you use your platform to raise awareness about mental health issues?
“I had guests on radio speaking about mental health and Pieta House and suicide prevention and fundraising for mental health charities. I never felt that I could talk about my experience at that stage, even when I was struggling. But now having the following on Instagram and the practical side of my broadcasting experience means that I can bring clarity to a subject to have more of an impact. I also believe in sticking up for the younger generation who I feel get a bad rap as if they are lazy and don’t apply themselves, always on phones. That really vexes me – every
generation does this. I genuinely believe that the next generation are more in tune with their emotions and are not prepared to do jobs that don’t pay well, have long hours, or suit their skills. Maybe we need to adjust business models to entice them.”
You were recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD. How has that diagnosis impacted you?
“It’s early days, I was diagnosed about a year ago. The medication really works for me. I take an inhibitor for anxiety. I did not realise that my anxiety was worse than others’, even when I gave up alcohol and did therapy it was still there. On top of that you still need to exercise, listen to audio books, practise mindfulness. As you practise mindfulness you see the areas of your life that are not working for you and it takes a lot of courage to see that and change your life and relationships. “I also take something that gives me dopamine. I am still chaotic, still all over the place, sometimes I still stay up too late so timekeeping can be an issue. Overall the diagnosis is good and not the burden or label I thought it would be.”
In your experience, how can we challenge misconceptions surrounding mental health?
“Stigma is a big thing, especially for men. Once again, women are showing the way, they are more tuned in and more willing to look at themselves and their behaviour. For men it’s still a: ‘why would I need that, I’m not American,’ who wants to listen to my problems? I think it comes from Ireland as a traumatised nation and the fact that we put so many people in institutions. Even the word ‘mental’ is seen as a negative thing. Gen X had more freedom and money and are the first generation to have the opportunity to break that cycle. We need to keep talking about therapy, make it a thing you deserve, like going to the gym.”
Many people find it difficult to discuss their struggles openly. Any advice?
“If you’re struggling, or you feel sad for more days in the past month than you feel happy then book yourself in for therapy. Find a person to talk to, there may be someone you know who would be able to talk to you and try to open up to them, be brave.”
As a father, do you approach these topics differently with young adults?
“My daughter is 21 and my son is 15. We would always have let them know that they can talk to us about anything. Letting your children know that you trust them to do the right thing and give them a safe space to talk to you takes time. As parents we want them to have better mental health, but they have so much going on. Help them to decompress and regulate, ask them what would help. You cannot add therapy onto an already busy schedule. I now approach every scenario knowing ‘We're all doing our best given the circumstances’ ( I have patented this and plan to write a book about it), this changes your attitude as to how you can become more compassionate.”
The pandemic significantly impacted mental health globally. What are some key lessons you gained?
“It was an awful time and many people lost family and really struggled. The pandemic highlighted the environmental impact and reduced stress levels of working from home. I feel sad as we very quickly went back to the way things were. It all comes back to trust and company culture. I see them changing, but not quickly enough. Lots of companies have a focus on diversity and inclusion, but still want everyone to start work at 9am. It does not go far enough.”
What are some self-care practices that you personally find helpful, and how do you prioritise self-care in your own life?
“For me it’s about not being passive in your own life, don’t live your life based on the stresses of someone else. Be brave and put yourself first. Just say ‘no’ to situations that don’t serve you and tune into it. Be curious about issues with your partner or friends and try to talk things out. If you don’t enjoy hanging out with certain people, stop doing it. I learned to slow down, not put myself in uncomfortable places, do work that suits me, say no and look after my wellbeing more.”
Have you found any particular supplements to be beneficial for mental wellbeing?
“Things I take daily are vitamin D, B12 as I am vegan, magnesium, and Irish sea moss. During times of increased stress I take lion’s mane and ashwagandha."
Please contact Keith on Instagram @keithwalsh_walsh to book a company talk, wellbeing chat
or sign up to a podcasting course. Learn more about ADHD at adhdireland.ie