The Superpower You Thought Was Kryptonite
It’s time we told the truth about creativity and mental health challenges because they go together like peas in a pod! And I hope that gives you comfort.
Christian radio has been leading the way recently in talking about mental health and I’m proud of that. Even so, I still get the feeling when a radio DJ admits to dark days of foreboding, they do so with a posture of apology and shame.
Honestly, I don’t know one creative person who doesn’t struggle with some degree of emotional overwhelm. Not one! And here’s the thing that no one is talking about…
The very thing that cripples you emotionally, is also your superpower! It’s WHY you’re so good at what you do!
You feel things the average person misses, you show empathy with the stories you choose, you connect emotionally in 14 second ramps. And the listener has a God-moment and sobs!
Conversely, it’s also why you hate your show most of the time! I’m smiling as I say this because I can count in single digits the number of radio shows I’ve been truly proud of. My husband Ken: “How was your show today?” Me: “Terrible. I hate it! I don’t know what I’m doing!” Next day, Me: “Oh I just loved how a break turned out today! I love my job! I’m just know God called me to this!” Ken: “…Okaaaay.”
I remember once hearing Mandy Young from KLOVE say, “I always feel like I’m 15 minutes away from being fired.” I was so oddly comforted by that. We creatives are hard on ourselves! We always set the bar too high because we can visualize ourselves up there but we never feel like we get there.
Am I suggesting putting all that emotional drama on the radio. No. I think it was consultant Todd Stach who said, your breaks should be 20% hardship and 80% hope. Use your emotional ups and downs as a springboard to hope. With as many people worldwide struggling in this area, you are probably the only one they’re listening to with experience and something helpful to share.
I know several radio people who think their mental health challenges disqualify them.
They do not.
They do have to be managed, yes, but mental health challenges are the underbelly of very good gifts. Emotion. Empathy. Exuberance. They’re not uncommon. They’re not disqualifying. And the world needs you. I promise.
