This week on a special Mental Health Awareness Month edition of the K[no]w Mercy podcast, host Stephen A. Smith sits down with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to discuss the effects of loneliness, which if left unchecked, can lead to lasting physical health issues.
LISTEN NOW: K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith: Dr. Vivek Murthy
"I don't say this lightly, but mental health is the defining public health issue of our time," Dr. Murthy tells Stephen A. "Here's why: When you struggle with your mental health, it impacts every other dimension of your life. Our mental health is the fuel that allows us to show up at work, at home, in our communities."
"When kids struggle with their mental health, for example, we know that impacts how they perform in school," he adds. "When adults, struggle, we know that impacts how they perform at work. When athletes have a hard time with their mental health, it impacts their performance on the field, on the court -- but it also impacts how they respond to adversity, whether that's injury or other challenges. Mental health matters for all those reasons, and right now what we're seeing is that there really is a mental health crisis, particularly among youth in this country."
Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy above on K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith -- now playing on Audacy.
Related
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Find a full list of additional resources here.
Listen to Audacy’s I’m Listening Mental Health Mix and more on the free Audacy app