Eradicating the Stigma of Mental Illness with Suicide Survivor and Best-selling Author Clint Malarchuk
After surviving three near-fatal tragedies, the mental health advocate says it’s OK to seek help and treatment for mental illness
To fight against the stigma of mental illness, the best weapon that NHL veteran Clint Malarchuk can use on the battlefield is himself. For nearly two decades, he unknowingly suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after an accident severed his jugular vein during a match in 1989. A miracle awarded him a second chance in life, which he spent nurturing his career and earning the nickname Cowboy Goalie. Although many years passed after the freak accident, his undiagnosed PTSD, fueled by depression and alcohol, led him to a suicide attempt that almost cost his life. After intensive treatment and spending six more months living in a treatment center, Clint saw his third chance in life and vowed to live it differently. This time, it’s about becoming a beacon of newfound hope for others struggling with mental illness.
To understand his life story on a deeper level, Clint worked with journalist Dan Robson and bared his truth in a book, The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond, released in Canada. He published the same book in the U.S. but with a different title, A Matter of Inches: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond, which served as an eye-opener on mental health issues and the stigma surrounding them. In 2020, nearly one in five adults in the United States struggled with various mental illnesses. Clint was no stranger to hardships while battling depression and anxiety as someone who went through this ordeal. Fortunately, he overcame the darkest moments in his life with the intervention of people who wanted to help him, including his wife, Joanie.
Now a mental health advocate and renowned motivational speaker at conferences and events, Clint is on a mission to break the stigma that continues to affect millions of lives worldwide. He is collaborating with ZavoMedia Group, a digital branding and public relations agency based in NYC, and a staunch supporter of Clint’s vision of spreading awareness on mental health and improving lives. In this interview, he reveals how he conquered his struggles and shares his insight on what businesses can do to make workers feel safe, understood, valued and heard even in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Thank you for having us! What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced and how did you overcome them?
“Playing goal in the high-pressure NHL industry with an undiagnosed severe PTSD for many years took a toll on my well-being; I was like a ticking time bomb that could go off anytime and it took a suicide attempt just to get the help I needed. That shouldn’t be the case for everyone. Lives are lost daily because of mental illness and we need to do something about that.
Living in the treatment center was tough, but I did it one day at a time. Growing up with an abusive alcoholic father was terrible and affected my upbringing. When I was a kid, I had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, anxiety and depression and stayed at the hospital for two months.
To this day, I’m still dealing with my own issues because I’ve learned that PTSD will never go away. But it doesn’t mean everything is hopeless. We all deserve another chance to work and improve ourselves. I’m at the end of an 18-month program for military veterans and first responders. I’ve learned a lot and gained some efficient tools to manage better.”
What wisdom would you want to share with others? What lessons can people learn from you?
“People think they’re all alone in this challenging situation and nobody can relate to what they’re going through. They believe they’re the only ones suffering, but they’re not. Because of the stigma, most people are afraid of asking for help. I want to erase that fear and tell them it’s OK to seek help; nobody should feel guilty or ashamed to ask for help. I’ve been to the darkest of dark, suffering in silence, but I persevered because I knew there were people who loved and supported me even on my worst days.
I realized that there are so many of us suffering. I want people to know that they’re not alone. With pandemic-related issues involved in the picture, numbers show that more people are struggling and suffering. We need to support one another rather than tear each other apart.”
The pandemic seemed to keep on disrupting the economy. What should businesses focus on in 2022? What advice would you share?
“I believe that mental health issues are more prevalent than ever and companies need to be more proactive in helping their employees. They must be diligent in helping their people with emotional distress and mental health. Even though people nowadays are more receptive to dealing with mental struggles and more open to getting help, businesses should also take the initiative to offer support rather than wait for the worst scenarios to happen. Most importantly, leaders need to be accountable for their decisions and realize that they have the power to change and influence lives through good leadership.”
Clint Malarchuk’s powerful story continues to impact thousands of lives globally because many people can relate to the battles he has faced and conquered. His passion for helping others persevere through tough times and overcome adversities became his platform, which he has no plans to stop anytime soon. He is currently the VP for The Ranch Teammates for life, which is connected with The Eagles Healing Nest, a facility that helps veterans and athletes with mental issues and addiction.
