Lee Cockerell knows a thing or two about success. As the former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World, he helped create the magical experiences the resort is known for. But in his personal life, Lee struggled to beat anxiety and depression.
In this blog, you’ll learn Lee’s tactics for overcoming mental health issues through intentional self-care and vulnerability. While running Disney World, Lee learned the importance of work-life balance. He now realizes these same principles apply to managing your mental health.
Pay Attention to the Signals
Lee didn’t recognize the signs of anxiety and depression at first. He now knows the symptoms well - lack of motivation, withdrawal from others, increased drinking or eating. “I realized my brain lies to me,” he says. When anxiety said to avoid hard things, Lee made himself exercise daily anyway.
Sleep Is the Foundation
According to Lee, proper rest kickstarts mental health improvements. “If you’re not getting sleep, it goes downhill very quick,” he warns. Lee keeps his bedroom cool and dark, avoiding food before bed. He believes good sleep amplifies positive choices like proper diet and daily activity.
Ask the Experts for Advice
Lee admits to ignoring cravings and experts’ advice kept his struggles going. “Your brain doesn’t know if that’s a piece of watermelon or a cookie,” he notes. Lee tells his brain “no” to its lies. Now he flosses nightly, gets regular physicals, and keeps healthy snacks around. Simple lifestyle changes based on experts’ recommendations made a huge difference.
Mental Health Issues Are Common
Lee assumed no one else dealt with anxiety and depression. In reality, these issues are incredibly pervasive. “It’s real. It’s widespread,” Lee emphasizes. Remaining vulnerable and talking openly reduced Lee’s shame. He believes companies, families, and communities also need to address mental health struggles.
Make Your Health the Priority
According to Lee, self-care allows people to support others fully. “Taking care of yourself is not just for your benefit,” he says. As a leader, Lee recognizes the consequences of burnout. “Why do you take care of yourself? For your family, friends, and community,” Lee explains. He absorbed this truth late in life and wants others to learn it sooner.
Reflect on How to Improve
Lee spends time each day considering how to be a better husband, father, and friend. “You’ve got to reflect on yesterday. Could you have been better?” he asks. Regular self-reflection helps Lee make positive changes. He focuses on calling loved ones, controlling negative thoughts, and speaking kindly. Small improvements through reflection add up.
Master the Art of Balance
“Take care of yourself, your family, and your business,” Lee recommends. He suggests visualizing everything that needs your time and deliberately scheduling priorities. Lee measures each day if he spends enough time on what matters most. “Then you can worry about other pursuits,” he says with a smile. Proper balance is ongoing work, but worth the effort.
Lee Cockerell discovered first-hand how self-care, expert advice and reflection help reduce anxiety and depression. He realized mental health issues are common human struggles, not personal flaws. Prioritizing your well-being benefits your loved ones too. “You have the power to make a huge positive difference,” Lee encourages.
