16. Brad Feld on Beating Depression

Triggers

Brad Feld recounts his serious depressive episodes, often triggered by significant events. He describes how the collapse of the Internet bubble in 2001 and the 9/11 attacks were tipping points that led to a deep depressive episode. Brad emphasizes that while these events triggered his depression, the underlying causes were the accumulated stress and exhaustion from his demanding lifestyle.

I had one of my thirties that happened, and the tipping point was 911. 911 was not the thing that caused the depression, it was the trigger.

--- Brad Feld

He explains that many high-performing individuals experience similar triggers, but the real issue lies in the buildup of stress over time 1.

   

Breaking Silence

Brad Feld discusses the stigma and shame associated with depression, especially for high-achieving individuals. He shares his own experiences of feeling ashamed to seek therapy or take medication during his first depressive episode in his mid-twenties. Brad highlights the importance of public figures like Michael Phelps and Tim Ferriss opening up about their struggles, as it helps others feel less isolated.

I was ashamed of being depressed. I was ashamed of doing therapy. I was ashamed of the things that were going on in my life that I thought were maybe causing me to feel depressed.

--- Brad Feld

This openness can be powerful in breaking the silence and encouraging others to seek help 2.

   

Daily Habits

To manage his mental health, Brad Feld has adopted several coping strategies, including digital sabbaths and mindful routines. He now wakes up naturally instead of using an alarm and ensures he gets about eight hours of sleep each night. Brad also stopped drinking alcohol and limits his caffeine intake to one cup of coffee per day.

I used to be the guy that got up at 05:00 every morning, no matter where I was. Whatever the time zone is now, I just wake up when I wake up.

--- Brad Feld

Additionally, he has incorporated meditation and movement into his daily routine to maintain mental and physical health 3 4.

   

Managing Anxiety

Brad Feld emphasizes the importance of creating unscheduled time and managing anxiety as part of his coping strategies. He has learned to prioritize activities and create space for recovery, which helps him manage his obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. Brad also highlights the significance of therapy, describing it as a way to explore his thoughts and behaviors in a structured manner.

You're not really going to be able to figure out what you want to do until you stop doing what you're doing.

--- Brad Feld

These strategies have helped him weave mental health practices into the fabric of his daily life, rather than treating them as episodic fixes 5 6.