Kevin Dillon, a boxing coach from Lions ABC, has emerged as a powerful advocate for mental health, using his platform to break down stigmas surrounding men’s mental well-being. Through his recently launched initiative, This is Me, This is Us, Dillon is sparking crucial conversations within the boxing community, encouraging individuals to speak openly about their mental health struggles.
Dillon’s commitment extends beyond the ring; in 2019, he co-founded The Black Country Blokes podcast with fellow coach Lee Cadman. The podcast aims to dismantle the barriers surrounding mental health, particularly among men. Dillon points to alarming statistics – one man dies by suicide every two hours – as a driving force behind his mission. Through the podcast, Dillon and Cadman feature guests from various backgrounds, discussing their personal battles and triumphs in a candid and relatable manner.
The This is Me, This is Us campaign further amplifies Dillon’s message. Rolling out like an advent calendar, it showcases the complexities of mental health, reminding audiences that strength doesn’t preclude vulnerability. The campaign emphasizes that even the most confident and capable individuals can grapple with anxiety and depression, underscoring the importance of community support. “This isn’t just you dealing with these issues, this is me, this is us. Together, we can beat this,” Dillon asserts.
Personal Struggles Fuel Passion for Advocacy
Dillon’s journey to mental health advocacy is deeply personal. Losing his sight at just three years old, he has spent much of his life coping with the emotional weight of his disability. In his youth, Dillon relied on drinking as a way to handle his challenges, but he now sees his openness about his past as a form of empowerment. “Talking has been like a superpower,” he reflects. “It’s shown me that I don’t have to carry this with me anymore.”
His experiences have led him to witness firsthand the healing power of honest conversations. Dillon regularly engages with individuals at his boxing club, observing how sharing personal struggles fosters connection. “Mental health doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone, at any stage in life,” he says, encouraging others to see their battles as a shared experience rather than a solitary burden.
Progress and Challenges in Tackling Stigma
While Dillon believes progress is being made in addressing mental health issues, he acknowledges that more action is needed. Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he notes that isolation and heightened anxiety exacerbated existing mental health challenges for many men. “Lockdown threw petrol on an already angry fire,” he explains. Despite the increased dialogue surrounding mental health, Dillon feels that the necessary support systems are still lacking.
Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation
Dillon’s response to these challenges has been proactive. Post-pandemic, he ensured his boxing club remained open for men and women to meet and talk in a safe, supportive environment. The club’s informal approach, combining exercise with conversation, has proven effective in encouraging men to open up. “Men prefer to do something and then talk,” Dillon says. “The activity breaks down the barriers, making the conversation feel more natural.”
His approach has led many individuals to seek advice on mental health topics such as panic attacks, prompting discussions that may not have otherwise occurred. “We’re just getting men to talk organically, without it feeling forced,” he explains.
Encouraging Broader Support in Boxing
Dillon is pushing for greater awareness within the broader boxing community. He advocates for England Boxing to introduce mental health first-aid courses, similar to those already in place for physical health and safeguarding. Recognizing that mental health issues are often invisible, Dillon hopes boxing can lead the way in addressing mental well-being within sports. “If we can tackle it here, at the root, we’ll have a real chance at changing things.”
Recognition for Efforts
Dillon’s dedication to mental health has been recognized with the Kings Award, the highest honor for any charity or Community Interest Company (CIC) in the UK. The award highlights the impact of The Black Country Blokes podcast, recorded from Dillon’s boxing gym, and its role in normalizing conversations around mental health.
Prioritizing His Own Mental Health
Despite his advocacy work, Dillon understands the importance of self-care. He regularly checks in with his co-host, Lee Cadman, and both men support each other in maintaining their mental well-being. Dillon also encourages others to seek professional counseling when needed and often directs individuals to mental health organizations, using the resources himself as a reminder of the power of seeking help.
As Dillon continues his work, his message is clear: mental health struggles are a shared experience, and the strength to overcome them is found in community and conversation.
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