Zane Landon, a mental health and disability advocate and founder of Positive Vibes magazine, actively promotes mental health awareness, wellness, and inclusion. Despite battling his own mental health, Zane showed up to the Mental Health Youth Action Forum in Washington, D.C., to advocate for youth mental health policies and confront the stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly the misconception that it leads to violent behavior. 

In this episode, he shares his journey with major depressive disorder, emphasizing the empowerment he found in diagnosis and connection with others, as well as the healing power of helping those in similar situations. Alongside these topics, Zane addresses his struggles with weight and overeating and the recognition of the complex relationship between mental health and eating habits. He stresses the importance of body positivity, self-acceptance, and maintaining health objectives.

Reflecting on the universal impact of mental health, Zane discusses the importance of recognizing individual worth and the value everyone brings to the world. His narrative includes the profound effects of early life experiences, personal achievements, and investing in oneself. In light of COVID-19 and the loss of his mother, Zane expresses gratitude for her influence in his life and explores his belief in an afterlife and continued connections with those who have passed.

The conversation also delves into processing grief. Zane emphasizes the need to change one’s internal narrative. He candidly discusses his spiritual yearning and the lack of definitive answers in coping with the absence of loved ones. He finds solace in the hope that his mom is in a safe place or some form of afterlife, and he seeks to honor her memory by channeling his love and energy into positive actions, such as a newfound love of cooking (which his mom loved to do).

Grateful for the ability to discuss grief, mental health, and suicide openly, Zane advocates for improved societal approaches to these issues and uses social media and his digital platform to promote accessibility and encourage positive change.

RESOURCES:

Positive Vibes MagazineNAMIActiveMindsThe Grief Recovery HandbookMental Health Youth Action ForumAfterCloudEpisode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive 20% off

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