In this honest and thought-provoking episode, Kevin shares his journey of living with racing thoughts that began in childhood—relentless mental loops he couldn’t fully articulate and believed no one else experienced. For years, he suffered in silence, overwhelmed by the belief that he was alone in his struggle. That changed the day he realized others faced similar internal battles—a pivotal moment that reshaped how he viewed himself and his mental health. At age 29, Kevin was diagnosed with OCD, and he describes the emotional resistance that often spiraled into panic attacks—waves of fear so intense, they felt like impending death. He tried to think his way through it, to reason with his mind, but the weight was too heavy to carry alone. Medication became a part of his journey, though navigating this with loved ones was not always easy. He reflects on the frustration of trying to explain his intense emotional reactions—how his stress would ripple out and unintentionally impact others. Despite having a supportive family, he often felt misunderstood, isolated, and overwhelmed by waves of shame and embarrassment. There were moments when he felt himself shrinking—emotionally smaller and further removed from his sense of self. Through time, reflection, and support, Kevin has learned the power of naming his experience and breaking the silence he once lived in. His key message to the listeners is to always keep room for kindness and grace, no matter the situation, especially when dealing with yourself; share your story with people you trust, it really helps to lift the weight off yourself, and there are lots of other positive effects like, the more you hear (your own story), the more you heal.

Guest Bio: Kevin originally from Monticello, IL, is a passionate mental health advocate, podcaster, writer, and speaker. A lifelong performer with a gift for connecting through both humor and heart, Kevin brings his creativity and compassion into everything he does. His work is grounded in a deep belief in the power of storytelling to break down stigma and foster connection. He is the host of the mental health podcast Behind Beautiful Things, where each week he welcomes courageous and generous guests to share personal stories of struggle and resilience. By creating space for these conversations, Kevin helps listeners and storytellers alike feel less alone while shining light on the universal truths behind difficult experiences. He is also the author of All Conviction, a Substack publication that blends writing, reflection, and advocacy. Guided by his belief in kindness and humor, Kevin continues to use his voice and platforms to support those navigating mental health challenges and to inspire communities toward empathy and understanding. Passionate about: Kevin extends his gratitude to the Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health—an organization doing vital work to support immigrants facing mental health challenges, especially during turbulent times in the U.S. Their mission deeply resonates with him, as they offer care, advocacy, and connection to those who often feel unseen. URL for shoutout: https://www.ourcimh.org | Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health Where to find me: Website: www.kevincrispin.com Podcast: www.sadtimespodcast.com Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249