Christopher
Christopher
Being vulnerable isn’t a sign of weakness
Christopher had experienced bouts of anxiety and depression in high school and college but wasn’t sure it was serious enough to seek treatment. Used to being the “golden boy,” he didn’t tell others he was struggling and instead relied on soccer and working out to feel better.
My biggest saving grace was working out. It saved me through the times when I didn’t know what was going on.
However, in 2020, Christopher began feeling more depressed, began to push people away, and quit his job after having a panic attack at work. He only left his room to work out—the one constant he had in his life.
Soon after, the pandemic and the death of his grandfather brought him back home to Texas. Christopher began to spiral even more.
I knew my foundation was destroyed when I started crying on the squat rack at the gym. I finished my session, went home, and told everyone that I wasn’t okay.
I was used to suffering in silence, not admitting something was going on.
History had told me that I had worked through it in the past, but nothing was working this time.
Christopher began seeing a therapist and started to take his life back.
“Showing others you’re vulnerable encourages them to do the same. Being vulnerable isn’t a sign of weakness—it shows true strength to face your issues head-on.”
When the idea of starting a mental health advocacy platform came to mind, he thought, “If not me, then who?” He felt he was vulnerable enough and had the experiences needed to build this platform and help others.
Inspired by the words “mentally shredded,” Christopher began to combine his passion for exercise with encouraging others to reclaim their power by asking for help, being vulnerable, and engaging in genuine conversation.
At first, I didn’t even know what it would look like, but once it happened, it was easier for me to move forward.
Now, Christopher runs his platform full time, and talks and collaborates with other businesses and gyms.
He typically begins by leading a workout and then facilitates discussions on mental health. He uses his story to connect with others and show people that it’s okay to not be okay. He also is pursuing a degree in social work so that he can connect with even more people.
Showing others you’re vulnerable encourages them to do the same. Being vulnerable isn’t a sign of weakness—it shows true strength to face your issues head-on.
My goal is to create healthy communities, help people identify where they are and where they want to be, and help them bridge that gap.
In 2023, Christopher released a documentary sharing his life story and the purpose of his organization. He hopes that by sharing his story, more people will reach out for help when needed and reestablish their power.
I set a standard for myself. The standard is to become the best version of myself and not make excuses.
In doing so, the people around me also have the same standard—to seek help and no longer struggle in silence, do the work in becoming the best version of themselves, and know that they’re not alone.
