NBA Great Kevin Love on Trying to Achieve His Way Out of Depression

Have you ever tried to achieve your way out of anxiety or depression? What happens when reaching your biggest goals still doesn't make you feel like you're enough? In this episode, I sit down with NBA champion and mental health advocate Kevin Love to talk about the anxiety, depression, and constant sense of dread that existed alongside his extraordinary success. Kevin opens up about the panic attack that changed his relationship with mental health, the pressure to prove himself, and why achievement, fame, and money could never fill the void. We also break down perfectionism, overwork, social anxiety, vulnerability, and the complicated relationship between ambition and mental health. Tune in to learn how changing your relationship with achievement can create more room for self-acceptance, connection, and joy. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. IM8 - Go to IM8HEALTH.com/achiever RIGHT NOW or click on the link in the description and use code achiever for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets, plus ten percent off your order DripDrop - Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code ACHIEVER Brevo - Get started for free today—or use code ACHIEVER50 to save 50% on Starter and Standard Plans for the first three months of an annual subscription Upwork - Visit upwork.com right now and post your job for free.  In This Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why Kevin Love decided to speak publicly about his mental health. 04:15 The panic attack that forced Kevin to confront his mental health. 05:00 What happens when you try to achieve your way out of depression? 12:45 Can understanding your mental health make you a better teammate? 14:15 The freedom that comes from separating yourself from your performance. 16:00 When the thing you love becomes your only source of identity. 18:00 What high achievers can learn from failure. 23:15 The fear of being judged after opening up about mental health. 26:15 Why overwork can't fill the emotional void. 27:30 What social anxiety looks like when you're constantly in the public eye. 30:45 Learning to give yourself permission to experience joy. 32:15 How do you redefine achievement without losing your ambition? Resources + Links Learn more about the Kevin Love Fund HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Kevin Love Fund: @kevinlovefund