How to Create a Supportive Ecosystem for Athletes with Dr. Dawn Brown

The shadow of triumph is cast by the blazing light of an unwavering determination through struggles. Hence, the struggles we faced only made our achievements more remarkable. Everyone is facing struggles in various aspects of human life. Nowadays, we often see people achieving victory despite every challenge. In contrast, some tend to become inferior when hearing news about others’ success.  However, when successful people admit their weaknesses and share their struggles, they are helping fainthearted individuals to see failure as a stepping stone to growth.  Consequently, their achievements inspire them to thrive even more. 

It has been stated that athletes' struggles are often overshadowed by their triumphs. Our mental well-being is frequently ignored since it is not something we can easily see. Mental health needs to be acknowledged and prioritized in the same way as physical health. Therefore, in the pursuit of well-being, we must recognize the universal importance of mental health and the power of a supportive community.  Hence, we must embrace our mental health journeys and seek the support and understanding we deserve. Our guest speaker says, "No one should face their struggles alone, instead, seek help and support which are vital to mental well-being."

Dr. Dawn Kamilah Brown is a nationally recognized, two-time #1 best-selling author, speaker, consultant, and media personality. Dr. Dawn is one of the nation's most acclaimed ADHD experts and double-board certified Child and Adult Psychiatrist. She owns, is CEO, and is a sole practitioner at ADHD Wellness Center and has two private practice locations in Texas. Known as the MD with ADHD, Dr. Dawn was diagnosed with ADHD while completing her child fellowship program in her early 30's. As a result, she uniquely understands the frustrations surrounding treatment and the need for compassionate, ongoing support. She is on a mission to transform what the world recognizes as a dis-ability into an Amaze-Ability!

In this episode with Dr. Dawn Brown, we will learn about a mental health advocate's passion for helping people, especially athletes, navigate the challenges they face in their professional and personal lives. Dr. Brown's work in sports psychiatry has shed light on the unique pressures and expectations placed on athletes and how these factors can impact their mental health. She emphasizes the importance of finding motivation, connecting with a supportive community, and incorporating affirmations and faith into daily life to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional goals. Tune in today as we 

"We're used as instruments and vehicles to bring hope and positivity to others." – Dr. Dawn Brown

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:38) Introducing our guest speaker, Dr. Dawn Brown.

(00:01:02) A Mental Health Expert: Who is Dr. Dawn Brown?

(00:03:00) What led Dr. Dawn to enter the mental health field? 

(00:04:11) How did Dr. Dawn discover she had an ADHD?

(00:05:32) Encourage others by sharing your successes and failures.

(00:06:23) We learn the best when we fail.

(00:07:09) Failures and Testing

(00:09:52) Discovering the blessing within the challenge.

(00:10:07) Empowering young kids with ADHD to pursue their dreams.

(00:11:10) The increase in ADHD diagnoses in children and adults.

(00:12:13) The expanding mental health conversations  

(00:13:40) The greats of goats becoming Mental health advocates

(00:14:33) Social Anxiety: Effects of the pandemic on mental health

(00:15:45) Regression in social skills: The impact of the pandemic on children

(00:16:30) Mental Health is a spectrum.

(00:18:00) Quick Reminder: Are you enjoying this episode? Please share it, leave a five-star review, and give feedback. Go to TimeOut with the SportsDr website.

(00:19:08) Dr. Dawn Brown's unique telepsychiatry practice

(00:21:03) How does being an independent clinician allow Dr. Dawn to help more athletes

(00:22:41) The correlation between mental health and performance in athletes.

(00:23:37) How do athletic routines mask the mental health condition of athletes?

(00:25:37) Visit Dr. Dawn's website, a valuable resource for athletes and everyone: https://drdawnpsychmd.com/

(00:26:44) The unrealistic expectations placed on athletes

(00:27:50) Mental Athletics

(00:28:55) The TimeOut with SportsDr. 's mission is to bring positivity, showcase possibilities, and uplift the community.

(00:30:11) Final TimeOut with Dr. Dawn Brown: How would you encourage someone to follow his passion, rekindling it to overcome obstacles and achieve more significant goals?

(00:31:14) Self-affirmation and positive mindset

(00:32:01) Prayer is power.

(00:32:27) Finding your community and support

(00:33:16) God will never fail me.

(00:34:29) "Come down from my day." 

(00:35:24) Where to connect with Dr. Dawn Brown?

Key Takeaways: 

"Find what motivates you, rekindle it, and keep going." – Dr. Dawn Brown 

"Many people want to show what they do well, but when we tell people about our struggles, we 

make this seem like somebody else can do it." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"I learned the best when I fail, and so I embrace my failures." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"You never know what other people are going through. They may see themselves in your story." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"We are often tested in life, and my test was to understand that at the time that I thought was a thorn in my side, it was a blessing that fueled my passion." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"We all have mental health, and I think we all should have access to mental health services for that very reason." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"Many times, you don't know why you're functioning as you are until you sit down with someone who can listen to your symptoms and put it all together." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

"Becoming a professional athlete often involves managing mental health conditions through healthy routines, but the downside is masking underlying symptoms with repetitive natural treatments." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"Mental athletics is in the business of helping athletes and their ecosystem." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"We're motivated by so many different things; that motivation doesn't die. It may dim along the path, but it's always there." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"I wake up every day and speak things as though they were and having a positive mindset because I know that in the day, I'm not going to conquer everything great." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"We have to make sure that we pour into ourselves too." – Dr. Dawn Brown

"You need to commune with others because you can't do it alone. We were created to work with other people so that you can do it." – Dr. Dawn Brown

Connect with Dr. Dawn K. Brown:

Website: https://drdawnpsychmd.com/

Instagram: https://drdawnpsychmd.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdawnpsychmd

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdawnpsychmd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdawnpsychmd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dawniebrascomd

Email: drdawn@drdawnpsychmd.com 

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time so that I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.