Finding Light in the Dark: Overcoming Depression & Anxiety - Mike Schlossberg (ep. 983)

Mike isn't just a Pennsylvania State Representative; he is an author and someone who has been navigating life with depression and anxiety for over 16 years. We dive into why he’s dedicated his career—both in and out of politics—to shattering the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.

Here is a look at what we discuss in this episode:

• The Power of "Not Being Alone": Mike shares a poignant memory from his first week of college, crying on the phone with his parents, and the life-changing realization that he wasn't the only one struggling behind closed doors.
• Gratitude as a Grounding Tool: We talk about how gratitude can keep you anchored during dark moments, but also the "double-edged sword" of feeling guilty for struggling when your life looks "perfect" on paper.
• Writing Through the Struggle: Mike opens up about his new book, Redemption—a sci-fi story about 20 young adults on a spaceship—and how he used it to process his own journey through clinical depression.
• Finding Perspective: We explore how the simple act of serving others and volunteering can actually help pull you out of your own head and improve your mood.

Mike is a great example of how you can be a high-achieving, seemingly "happy" person while still fighting these internal battles. I hope this conversation reminds you that no matter what you’re going through, you are not alone, and there is always a path forward.

I really think you’re going to find a lot of value in Mike’s story. Let’s jump in!

Resources:

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You can find the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Spades-Trilogy-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C7M8WT8/ 

Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Timestamps:

04:30 – Meet Mike Schlossberg: Mike discusses his background in state politics, his 16-year battle with clinical depression and anxiety, and how his mental health journey inspired his sci-fi novel, Redemption.

08:45 – The Illusion of Happiness: The host asks how Mike can be so outgoing and happy on the outside while battling depression on the inside. Mike explains the "dual tracks" of the human mind and experiencing multiple emotions simultaneously.

13:20 – Crossing the Line into Clinical Illness: Mike outlines the diagnostic criteria for mental illness, explaining how to recognize when normal sadness crosses the line into a clinical issue that interferes with daily functioning.

17:15 – The Double-Edged Sword of Gratitude: A deep dive into how gratitude keeps Mike grounded. He candidly discusses the challenge of feeling guilty for being depressed when your life looks objectively wonderful from the outside.

22:40 – Finding Perspective Through Suffering: The host shares the value of gaining comparative perspective, referencing Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning and how understanding the struggles of others can be therapeutic.

26:15 – Advice to a Younger Self: Mike reflects on what he would tell his 20-year-old self. He discusses how depression breaks your thinking patterns and the importance of recognizing the good things that still exist in your life.

31:00 – The "Perfect Life" Trap & Social Media: A discussion on why high-achieving people with seemingly perfect lives still struggle with mental health. They touch on biology, the pressure placed on overachievers, and the negative impacts of social media.

34:50 – Legislative Action for Mental Health: Mike explains how his personal struggles influence his political work. He highlights his efforts regarding anti-suicide legislation, supporting mothers with postpartum depression, and fixing public school funding.

37:20 – Expressing Personal Gratitude: When asked who he is grateful for right now, Mike lists his wife Brennan, his two children, his extended family, his incredibly supportive staff, and his constituents.

38:45 – Book Release Details & Closing: Final information on Mike's young adult novel, Redemption, where listeners can purchase it on Amazon, and closing thoughts on the power of sharing our stories.

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