Hello, I'm Andy Irwin
Mental Wellness. Resilience. Habits.
Raising Resilience.
Hear my story and learn why I'm so passionate about mental wellness
LIVING WELL – One Man’s Mental Health Journey
Mission
My mental illness-to-wellness journey is one that others have found all too familiar in my experience – a young, high-achieving Andy that gradually invested more and more of his self-worth into accomplishment and how he made others feel, placing his own needs and desires in the backseat. These anxious behaviors provided a slow, gradual decline into perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies that amplified throughout childhood and into college. At university, as an Honors student and captain of our men’s soccer team, I don’t think a single person on that campus knew that I was suffering from major depression with thoughts of suicide...
Two moments of vulnerability ultimately transformed my life. Embracing my support system gave me the courage I needed to seek foundational treatment and begin my wholly imperfect journey in pursuit of well-being. Today, I am passionate about reducing stigma and equipping others with the wellness tools and resources I continue to learn and practice in my ongoing recovery.
Wellness is together. Wellness is a practice.
What my peers say about me
Thank you for your bravery in sharing your story. I saw your presentation at SOCA today and it was amazing. You truly are an inspiration for all of us and are helping to decrease mental health stigma every time you speak.”
- Erin Harlow-Parker
I just watched your talk on the SOCA conference. You spoke beautifully. I loved your ability to use humor as you shared you story. Thank you so much for being brave enough to share your experience to help others! You are truly an inspiration and I’m grateful to learn from what you are so courageously putting out into the world.
- Jody Baumstein
Thank you. You are such a strong person, and your message provided such a great reminder that everyone is dealing with something in their life – even when it appears everything is ‘perfect’.
- Kathy Silcox
Thank you for sharing your story. I know your story will inspire others to seek help and support and also share. Your bravery gives me hope and helps me want to continue to fight for our kids and our community. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
- Megan Costa
I wanted to send you a big thank you for sharing your story about resilience. I personally related very much to your story and as a mom to a toddler, I especially appreciated your encouragement to have authentic dialogue with your kids. It may not be obvious, but I know you’ve helped a lot of people feel a little less alone by sharing your story. Thank you!
- Cailin Copan-Kelly
Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your amazing journey. I am inspired by your courage and because of your story I plan to have conversations with my children tonight. I am confident you have inspired many, as we are all works in progress!
- Carie Watt
I just watched your Raising Resilience video on Careforce. Thank you for being authentic and vulnerable. Your story spoke to me not only as a mother of a 13-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl, but as an adult trying to hold all of the pieces together in my own puzzle... You are inspiring!
- Terry Brown
I cannot express in words how much your video means to me. Several recent experiences have made me question a lot of things in life. Your video makes me energized. Thank you!
- Dr. Subi Shashidharan
I have spoken on the topics of
Connect with Andy
Whether that be to speak at your next mental health event, organize a workshop, or simply connect further. Click the button below to send me an email.
Email Andy