How Can We Truly Help Mental Health? | Intentionally Blank Ep. 155 | #brandonsanderson #lifeadvice
Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells take a moment to talk about how mental health can be a very difficult thing to help with.
Want to send me something to open?
Dragonsteel Entertainment
ATTN: Adam
P.O Box 698
American Fork, UT 84003
Stay up to date by following my newsletter: https://www.brandonsanderson.com/tag/newsletter/#footer
Interested in signed books and swag? Check here: https://www.dragonsteelbooks.com/
You can also follow me on:
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrandonsanderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandSanderson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandSanderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandsanderson/?hl=en
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mistbornbrandon
Frequently asked questions: https://faq.brandonsanderson.com/
29 Comments
The hug means everything.
Definitely pray, especially when you don’t know what to do. God will answer in Jesus name amen.
Psychotherapist here (LCSW). You empathize with your son, accept that his feelings are real and express love for him in the moments when he is at his lowest point? And you think yourself powerless? My good sir, if I may paraphrase a famous wizard, it is these small acts of everyday kindness that keep the darkness at bay. There is certainly power in that.
Brando Sando my man, your writing definitely hits the marks…you may not have the understanding of the individual outside of your writing…but your words relate well. Even if the insight you have might not directly apply to your son…even the small things show someone (as in you) cares. Frankly, care and support are the two necessities, because all you can do is guide. I wish the best for your son, hope he gains the experience(s) that teach him the understanding he needs. With time and effort comes healing.
Whoever might be reading this, I pray you encounter the love of God today. Jesus saves us because we can do nothing to save ourselves 🤍🤍 Trust in Him
Wanting to help and being genuine about it is often just what you need when you’re in a dark spot.
Not going into details but you saying this about your son, Brandon, is validating for me. I can understand your son's struggle. You've gained a notch on my respect stick for being so caring about him. <3
As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I'd say asking is the best thing you can do.
Dude, hearing that from a parent is all I would ever want. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a great father and an empathetic person.
If I had hit a 3 pointer from 2 courts away like Sanderson, I would also never have been depressed.
I'm schizoaffective..
Dan Wells!!!!! He’s the man!
Person who suffered from depression here: sometimes that’s literally all you can do; wait out an episode
It’s…heartbreaking at times. But it’s like having a sick day I guess.
❤
For a physical health issue you'd go to a doctor and similarly for mental health issue you go to the doctor for help to understand the treatment plan etc. Family support is required in the journey of recovery regardless of the injury type.
Brandon is so autistic I love him <3
That is the thing he needs less help with and needs to fight for himself. Because mental illness is a way that we humans use to abuse the gifts that the people around us have to lean on, and to become lazy. Mental illness isn't a thing in poor societies because there's nothing for people to abuse.
I love the stormlight novels for how he portrays mental illness.
The main character of each novel has struggled with a different type of mental illness and despite Brandon admitting he has never suffered from any mental illness, he is still able to portray these characters struggles so incredibly accurately which is an amazing talent.
Watch the British artist "Ren" and his song "Hi Ren!". Best thing I've ever heard to explain how mental health issues affect those people. The song is brilliant!
I have ADHD and anxiety and like other shit too. My dad is super neurotypical and it can be frustrating for both of us when he can't understand what I'm feeling, but I know he's always trying this best. He's one of my best friends and I know he's always there for me, I'm sure your son feels the same 🙂
As someone with depression… That hug does more than you think it does. We know the people we love can't fix our problems. But knowing that those people are there for us is what gives us the strength to keep fighting.
I have struggled with depression my entire life, and when I was younger I can't tell you how much of a difference it would have made if my dad had just given me a hug and asked if he could do anything to help. One of the worst things about depression for me is how alone it makes me feel, and someone reaffirming that "no, you're not alone. I don't know if I can do anything for you, but I'm right here if you need me" is HUGE.
That's why he's the GOAT
This wonderful man… his books have helped me so much especially wind and truth.. i think he must be a great dad to have.
To anyone reading this:
If youre struggling, know I was there. And I chose to always take the next step. Not jumping into my "chasm" was the best decision I ever made.
Stay with us, friend. You will be warm again.
I was reading the first book of storm light in a period when I can't left the bed. I was in depression for the previous months and I had just a month recovering from it when I got a little accident that send me to bed for a month.
The story of Kaladin really resonated with me at that time.
Giving someone feeling down a hug can often do more then any Psychotherapie could, and 1000 times more than any pharamceuticals. Talking from experience. Love you Brandon and thank you for creating more compelling Charakters than i‘ve ever read or Seen in a Singular work of Art. 🙏❤️
Wish your son and other people struggling with mental health problems the best❤
Sometimes a hug is the only thing that will help.