Overcoming PTSD & Anxiety with Mark Blacknell

Episode 020 — Overcoming Depression, Anxiety & Emotional Trauma with Mark BlacknellWhen depression and anxiety become your identity, it can feel like there’s no way out—only survival. In this episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Mark Blacknell, a former Marine who grew up in working-class Philadelphia, served time in jail, and fought through severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Today, Mark supports death row inmates and senior citizens in nursing homes, and shares a grounded, no-fluff approach to healing: stop, address it, get support, and build a daily practice—one moment at a time.Mark Blacknell is a former Marine and meditation practitioner ordained in the Soto Zen tradition. After years of living with severe anxiety and depression, Mark’s message is simple and powerful: healing starts when you stop running, address what’s happening, and practice—one step at a time.3 Key Takeaways• You can acknowledge mental illness without shame—and that honesty can be the beginning of healing • Recovery is practical: stop, address it, resist the “escape routes,” and use available resources • Meditation doesn’t require perfection—just the commitment to “sit on the mat” consistentlyTimestamps 00:00 — Welcome & introduction 03:10 — “One step at a time” and practicing presence 06:30 — Naming mental illness without shame 10:40 — How anxiety and depression hijack the body and identity 15:20 — Rock bottom, suicidal thoughts, and not giving up 20:30 — Leaving everything behind and traveling to Israel (turning point) 27:10 — Meditation retreats, Zen, and the power of daily practice 35:40 — How meditation helps death row inmates and seniors 41:30 — What to do when anxiety shows up in your body 47:10 — Practical guidance: stop, get help, and don’t complicate it 54:20 — Where to connect with Mark + Kashi ashramLinks & Resources Mark’s Website: https://www.stareatthewall.org/ Kashi Ashram (Retreat / Community): https://www.kashi.org/ Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: https://a.co/d/1Uug04F Immediate Support & Crisis Lines 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free & confidential) SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (treatment referral & information)Finding Treatment & Providers Find mental and substance use disorder treatment facilities, https://findtreatment.gov/ Find support, understand common questions, connect with professionals, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-supportCredits Host: Anne Vryonides Guest: Mark Blacknell Disclaimer The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, treatment, or medical care. If you are in crisis, call/text 988 or seek emergency support immediately.Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most. ❤️ Anne#OvercomingAnything #OvercomingAnythingPodcast #AnneVryonides #Podcast #PodcastLife #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #DepressionSupport #AnxietyRelief #PTSDRecovery #TraumaHealing #HealingJourney #NervousSystemHealing #MeditationPractice #Mindfulness #SelfCompassion #RecoveryIsPossible #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #ResilienceStories #PersonalGrowthJourney #PodcastDiscovery #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts #NewEpisode #PodcastGrowth Send us Fan Mail