How A Managing Director Manages Depression. School of Rock Bottom 10: David Sayers

[TW//Clinical Depression, Suicidal Thoughts] 5% globally have depression or a depressive illness. Depression/anxiety has become a leading cause of disability. By 2030, the World Health Organization predicts the disorder to be the main contributor to the global burden of disease. In The UK, in March 2020 prevalence was 10% rising to 21% during the pandemic and now sits at round 16% or 1 in 6. Today, to mark the 10th episode, I welcome a guest who works outside of the creative industries to add another lens to the wealth of experience I've had on the show thus far. Twelve years ago, David found himself in a rehabilitation facility following a suicide attempt after suffering from a major depressive episode. This intervention saved his life and he went on to continue to build a successful career. David is a campaigner for diversity and inclusion and is passionate about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Until recently, David was the Vice Chair of Mind (Croydon). David generously shares how he found himself in the depths of depression, how he got out of it, the warning signs of depression 'coming back' and how he maintains his mental health. We also discuss the warning signs of depression and why mental health is a priority in the workplace and how this is achieved. David is a powerhouse of tools and tips on how to prevent and manage depression and also has advice on how to look out for your friends. More about David: David is the Managing Director of Compass Executives and a Board member of Compass Recruitment Solutions (CRS). CRS are an award-winning recruitment solutions business focussed on private companies and investors across the health, care, education and life sciences markets in the UK and internationally. CRS are winners of Health Investor’s Recruiter of the Year Award 2021, 2019 and 2017. In 2022, executive search specialist brand Compass Executives was awarded Health Investor’s inaugural search firm of the year award. Topics - 0:00 Intro 5:13 David's Rock Bottom 07:44 Childhood and Genetics 10:35 The signs of depression 30:38 What helped you come out of your depression? 38:38 Mental health at work 44:50 Depression and medication 48:48 Warning signs to look out for 53:45 Main advice for those that are struggling If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode David suggests the following services: Mind: 0300 123 3393 Samaritans: 116 123 Campaign Against Living Miserably: 0800 58 58 58 CALL (Wales): 0800 132 737 The Mix (Under 25): 0808 808 4994 This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow David Linkdn - www.linkedin.com/in/davidsayers1965 Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm Listen or watch on: YouTube - https://bit.ly/3MKkU3u Spotify - https://bit.ly/3N5aXPq Apple - https://apple.co/41IrJt4 or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts. About this podcast – Welcome to the School Of Rock Bottom Podcast with Oliver Mason. I work as an actor, voice-over artist, Performing Arts School Principal and a Mental Health Coach. It's these careers and passions combined that have inspired this podcast! People working in the entertainment and performing arts industry are twice as likely to experience depression, are up to 15x more likely to suffer from anxiety and those working across all the creative industries are 3x more likely to suffer a mental health problem. In this podcast, we invite creatives who have lived through a rock bottom but have survived! These stories need to be heard to help others realise that no matter how bad things seem there is hope and always a way out.