Zak Williams, mental health advocate and founder of PYM (Prepare Your Mind), shares his personal journey and the importance of mental health awareness and support. He discusses his own struggles with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts, as well as the impact of his father, Robin Williams' suicide. Williams emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health, including programming, awareness, research, advocacy, and policy. He also highlights the importance of nutrition and self-care in maintaining mental well-being. Williams praises the passion and compassion of the people of Duluth and their role in driving systems change.

Keywords

Zak Williams, mental health, advocacy, PYM, Prepare Your Mind, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, Robin Williams, suicide, comprehensive approach, programming, awareness, research, advocacy, policy, nutrition, self-care, passion, compassion, systems change

Takeaways

• Mental health advocacy is a personal and healing journey for Zak Williams, who experienced anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts from a young age.
• A comprehensive approach to mental health includes programming, awareness, research, advocacy, and policy.
• Nutrition and self-care play a crucial role in mental well-being, and Williams founded PYM to promote mental health through diet and lifestyle.
• The people of Duluth are passionate and compassionate, driving systems change and inspiring Williams in his advocacy work.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background
06:46
Growing Up with Robin Williams
23:45
Experience in Duluth and Systems Change
www.mdfoundation.org