"I felt like a fraud." - Brian Sachetta
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with mental health advocate Brian Sachetta about his personal journey through depression, grief, and recovery. Brian shares his experiences with major depressive disorder and the impact of losing his grandmother, as well as the importance of understanding mental health through the biopsychosocial model. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding agency, taking small actions towards recovery, and the power of love and solidarity in supporting those struggling with mental health challenges.
Brian is the author of two books:
Get Out of Your Head: A Toolkit for Living with and Overcoming AnxietyGet Out of Your Head Vol. 2: Navigating the Abyss of Depression
Your host, Janet Sandberg, offers support for mind, body, and soul. Through Reiki, channelled Soul Conversations, and trauma-informed coaching, she helps you discover who you are, why you’re here, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence and clarity. With a deep commitment to mental health and her own lived experience in grief, resilience, and personal growth, Janet creates a safe, compassionate space for insight, healing, and transformation that is available to everyone, regardless of location.
Book a free discovery call with Janet
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocacy
01:08 Brian's Journey with Mental Health
02:17 The Onset of Depression
04:39 Nostalgia and Existential Crisis
07:31 The Email Incident and Its Impact
10:18 The Spiral into Nihilism
13:30 The Struggle with Suicidal Thoughts
16:45 Coping with Grief and Loss
19:16 Finding Hope Through Literature
21:07 Understanding Depression: The Bio-Psycho-Social Model
22:23 Navigating Grief and Depression
23:00 The Quest for Meaningful Work
25:25 The Mind's Battle: Anxiety and Depression
27:21 Rebuilding Life After Loss
28:48 Finding Beauty in Life's Small Moments
30:52 The Importance of Connection and Agency
35:10 Embracing Change and Self-Compassion
39:05 The Power of Perspective and Support
44:04 A Message of Love and Solidarity
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In Crisis?
Canada:
Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988
In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec
If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.
If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.
USA:
Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Call 911 in life-threatening situations.
Keywords: mental health, depression, grief, resilience, advocacy, personal growth, biopsychosocial model, agency, hope, recovery, suicidal ideation, anxiety