#55 Sir John Kirwan Speaks On Playing for the All Blacks & Managing His Mental Illness

Today I am speaking with Sir John Kirwan, a kiwi legend from New Zealand. He played 96 games and 63 test matches for arguably the best sports team ever, in the the All Blacks from 1984 to 1994. He was also part of the 1987 Rugby World Cup Team.

JK and I discuss the mental health struggles he experienced throughout his career and his near suicide attemptwhile he was on tour playing for the All Blacks. He battled himself internally with the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help. He put himself under so much pressure to perform, ignored his anxiety, and felt imposter syndrome throughout his career. We talk about his recovery and his daily mental health care plan that has transformed his life for the better.

Topics we cover and where to find them:

• [0:00]: Intro
• [3:40]: How Sir John Kirwan (JK) was knighted
• [5:52]: Early life
• [7:54]: Highlights of rugby career
• [9:15]: Rugby significantly
• impacted self worth and mental health
• [10:25]: Dealing with anxiety
• [14:11]: Stigma of depression and anxiety
• [15:08]: JK’s teammate saved his life
• [17:00]: Seeking help
• [20:00]: Developing a daily mental health plan
• [23:45]: Tools for dealing with anxiety
• [25:37]: Learning how to meditate
• [29:24]: Further development of daily mental health plan
• [32:28]: Founding Mentemia
• [36:06]: Example of how Mentemia works for a workplace
• [38:15]: Founding the foundation ‘Mitey’
• [41:19]: Biggest lesson in life
• [44:51]: Handling imposter syndrome
• [46:15]: Get support and help
• [48:34]: Failure doesn’t exist
• [48:55]: Most grateful for love

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Episode Resources:

• Sir John Kirwan | Instagram
• Mentemia
• Why Zebras don’t get ulcers

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