
In this episode, Shanil Nayee talks candidly about identity, confidence, and mental health as one of small number of Asian men working at a senior position in a high-pressure industry.
He reflects on the early career moments that led him to therapy, the generational and cultural dynamics that shaped his emotional world, and the impact that gaining greater self-awareness has had on his career and wellbeing.
Now a Mental Health First Aider and part of the steering group for State of Us – a PR industry network focused on increasing awareness and support around mental health issues – Shanil shares the lessons he’s learned and the ways he’s trying to pay it forward.
There’s also a little bit of football thrown info good measure!
Here are the timestamps for each of the core questions we cover in the show:
0:00 Dan’s opener and overview
1:34 Introduction and why Shanil decided to share his story
12:21 How was your last week?
15:25 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?
29:24 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?
43:12 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?
If you'd like to chat with Shanil about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanilnayee/
Shanil also discussed State of Us, the PR industry network shining a light on mental health: https://www.linkedin.com/company/state-of-us/
Get all the info you could possibly need about the show here: https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats
If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):
NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/