It takes courage and dedication to hone the talents and skills necessary for pursuing your goals, whether it’s a dream career, a certain lifestyle or simply achieving personal growth and fulfillment. While the payoff can be worth the work, life doesn’t always go according to plan, and unforeseen circumstances can quickly change your trajectory.
Drew Lynch, a comedian and actor who first gained national attention on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent, experienced a life-altering accident that forced him to quickly reassess his goals and expectations. At 20 years old, Lynch was hit in the throat by a softball. This hit caused him to fall and hit his head, resulting in a concussion and a neurogenic stutter.
At the time, Lynch was pursuing an acting career. However, his stutter, which was initially rated a 10 on a severity scale, prevented him from keeping his audition appointments. Within a few weeks, his representation dropped him as a client.
While working to address his condition through a combination of speech therapy, physical therapy and other techniques, Lynch continued to work at a comedy club. One day, he found himself on stage during open mic night, kicking off his start in comedy.
This ended up being therapeutic, with Lynch stating in an interview, “Something that I really love about comedy is it’s kind of all a band of misfits…everybody kind of comes together from a place of whatever their pain or their shortcoming, they kind of have license to say whatever it is that makes them unique.”
He drew from his experience for his source material, poking fun at the trauma and life disruption he’d experienced. He reflected, “So, I went onstage and just started to make jokes or self-deprecating quips about my situation. I could tell the other comedians in the room had a lot of compassion for my situation, because some of them had heard what I had gone through. But, they had also felt how emotionally raw I was at that time because I felt so helpless.”
Not only did Lynch’s speech impediment not put an end to his career as a performer, but it gave him an edge that allowed him to stand out in a sea of hopeful comedians. However, success didn’t come overnight, nor did it come without pain. Known to some as “the comedian that stutters,” he’s enjoyed a successful career in comedy, but he’s also had mental health challenges to navigate.
Drew Lynch’s Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness
As his national audience has grown, Lynch has openly shared his experiences with mental health through his stand-up comedy and on his social media channels. He often uses his platform to raise awareness of conditions such as anxiety and depression, helping to address the stigmas surrounding mental health and empower his audience to get the help they need.
In a video he posted to his Facebook page, he addressed the common misconception that people who are depressed feel sad, stating, “People think that people who are depressed feel sad. Are you kidding? I would love to feel.” This opened up conversations about the complexities of depression and how, for many people, it results in apathy or emotional numbness. Lynch has also emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and encouraged people to seek professional help and support.
In a similar vein, Lynch has talked about coping strategies that have helped him manage his mental health and deal with the trauma he experienced. Like many people, he found yoga beneficial in helping him develop resilience. In one interview, he stated, “Yoga has helped me address traumas and insecurities that I didn’t even realize I was carrying. It’s been a crucial part of my mental health journey.”
Finding Inspiration and Purpose Through Shared Struggles
Experiences such as the one Drew Lynch went through can have a lasting impact on mental health. However, drawing inspiration from those who’ve overcome challenges we identify with can be empowering, helping us to find a purpose for our challenges, gain perspective, and recognize some coping strategies we can incorporate. Through his platform, Lynch has been able to raise public awareness about stuttering, encourage an accepting attitude toward those with similar challenges, and open up conversations about mental health and the human experience.
For those who are facing challenging circumstances or major life disruptions, there are several ways to find inspiration from others.
- Find a support group. If you’re experiencing a challenge that’s affecting your mental health, connecting with others who are on a similar journey can be beneficial. For many people, support groups offer an approachable, judgment-free forum for giving and receiving advice and perspective. Many times, you can find local support groups through local hospitals, churches or community centers. If an in-person support group isn’t available or doesn’t fit your needs, online support groups can be an invaluable resource.
- Learn about personal stories. Many people share their journeys through unexpected events and traumas through books, blogs, podcasts or online videos. Finding someone whose challenges similar to your own can help you overcome stigmas you associate with mental health as well as learn about ways to cope.
- Participate in conversations about your challenges. While mental health challenges can be isolating, talking openly with friends, family members and mental health care professionals can help you recognize that you’re not alone. Sometimes, just sharing your experiences and thoughts with someone else can help you build resilience.
- Look for inspirational figures. Find people who’ve overcome challenges that mirror your own and pay attention to how they’ve used perceived weaknesses as assets. Their resilience and achievements can serve as a reminder that tough times don’t last forever, and that there are always opportunities for personal growth.
- Practice empathy. Seeking out others who’ve experienced similar challenges can help you cultivate a more compassionate, objective perspective of your own struggles. This can help you accept the challenges in your life and cultivate the motivation to make positive changes.
- Participate in community outreach and activities. Lynch found his sense of purpose through comedy, and while this may not be your path, it can highlight the importance of engaging with the community. Participate in community service projects or activities that encourage connection and help you find a sense of purpose and direction.
The Importance of a Strong Support Network
For those living with mental health challenges, stories such as Drew Lynch’s highlight the importance of connecting with people who can provide support and understanding. For Lynch, this support came from fellow performers who could empathize with the impact of a sudden speech impediment, as well as fans who identified with his struggles and found inspiration in his resilience.
Life can change quickly, and unexpected events can permanently alter a person’s goals and challenge their well-being. Whether it’s mental health issues, sudden changes in health status, financial struggles or personal losses, anyone can face challenges.
Support can come from work colleagues, friends, family and mental health professionals – all of whom can provide comfort, practical assistance and a sense of belonging. A strong support network also gives you access to a diverse range of perspectives and insight into how others have navigated relatable challenges, reminding you that you’re not alone.
If you’re experiencing a mental health issue and you’re looking for support, we’re here to help. At Restore Mental Health, we have mental health care professionals who specialize in helping clients cultivate the coping strategies and tools they need to navigate unexpected circumstances. To learn more about our programs and speak to an advisor, contact us today.
