There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in episode artwork

EPISODE · May 10, 2025 · 34 MIN

There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in

from Friends from Wild Places · host Shireen Botha/Tanya Scotece ft Damien O'Brien

Damien, founder of the Mental Health Association in Switzerland, shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma to mental health advocacy, revealing how his "inner echo" helped him survive and eventually thrive despite growing up in a violent environment.• Started the Mental Health Association to combat stigma around mental health issues in Switzerland• Grew up in Sydney surrounded by violence, alcoholism, and his mother's undiagnosed mental illness• Developed an "inner echo" as a protective mechanism that helped him navigate dangerous situations• Lost his brother to addiction and was heading toward jail before meeting his wife• Moved to Switzerland thinking he could escape his problems but discovered his undiagnosed bipolar disorder had "snuck onto the airplane"• Created the Coffee Foundation to bring "brightness and color" to mental health conversations rather than more "tears and heartache"• Challenges toxic masculinity by emphasizing that "reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness"• Uses Leonard Cohen's quote "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" as his guiding philosophyDamien O'BrienTel: +41 79 777 0489LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-o-596032b/Website: https://www.coffeefoundation.com/Email: [email protected] out www.shireensbookkeeping.com for a free consultation on virtual bookkeeping services to keep your books clean so you don't have to.Join us as we support The Coffee Foundation this month!Send us Fan MailBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEShireen's Bookkeeping Services LLCOutsourcing your bookkeeping to Shireen’s Bookkeeping Services can save you time and money.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showStay Wild!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@friendsfromwildplacesWebsite: https://friendsfromwildplaces.buzzsprout.com/Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-from-wild-places/id1619076023Twitter: https://twitter.com/FFWP_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/friendsfromwildplacespodcastLeave a review!

Damien, founder of the Mental Health Association in Switzerland, shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma to mental health advocacy, revealing how his "inner echo" helped him survive and eventually thrive despite growing up in a violent environment. • Started the Mental Health Association to combat stigma around mental health issues in Switzerland • Grew up in Sydney surrounded by violence, alcoholism, and his mother's undiagnosed mental illness • Developed an "inner echo" as a prot...

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There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in

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This episode is 34 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 10, 2025.

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Damien, founder of the Mental Health Association in Switzerland, shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma to mental health advocacy, revealing how his "inner echo" helped him survive and eventually thrive despite growing up in a violent...

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