Stop surviving, start fighting with Jazz Thornton
Sir John Kirwan talks to mental health activist Jazz Thornton about how she changed her life by moving from surviving to fighting.
Learning how to fight was crucial for Jazz to save her own life, and help hundreds of thousands of others with their mental health.
Jazz Thornton is a hero to many, especially young people who have struggled with their mental health. She’s a mental health activist, author, director, speaker, and co-founder of the mental health movement, Voices of Hope. She was also nominated as a semi-finalist in Young New Zealander of the Year 2021.
Her global success at 26 is even more tremendous when you find out about her backstory. She’s survived abuse, bullying, and multiple suicide attempts. Now it’s her mission to help others.
In Episode 8 of Open Minded, Jazz shares her candid and powerful story with JK, what she thinks needs to be done to combat the mental health crisis, including specifically what can be done in schools and workplaces.
Jazz also shares the things she’s doing to look after her mental wellbeing, such as connection and self-care a top priority, even when her busy life gets hectic.
Watch the full video interview below or listen in the usual places!
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast touches on themes of suicide, bullying, child sexual abuse, self-harm and mental distress - listener discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact Beyond Blue in Australia on 1800 512 348 and for New Zealand, you can free call or text 1737 to talk. These support lines are free, and available 24/7.
Watch the full video interview
“Hope is real and change is possible.” - Jazz Thornton
There was a point in her life that Jazz was tired of fighting. A defining moment in her journey to thriving was being told that she had been surviving, not fighting.
Understanding the difference between surviving and fighting helped Jazz shift her mindset and take a different path. That path has led her to recovery, better mental wellbeing, and helping hundreds of thousands of young people around the world do the same.
Jazz is a high-energy, bubbly, deeply empathetic, and kind person. She’s a courageous fighter and puts that energy to good use, challenging policies, systems and stigma, at home in New Zealand and globally.
Listen to Episode 9 to find out more about Jazz’s story and be inspired by the work she’s doing. Recommendations from the episode below!
Read
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Stop Surviving, Stop Fighting by Jazz Thornton
Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman
The Creativity of ADHD by Holly White
Watch
Grey’s Anatomy by ABC
Jessica’s Tree by Jazz Thornton
The Girl on the Bridge by Leanne Pooley
TRIGGER WARNING: Jessica’s Tree and The Girl on the Bridge touch on themes of suicide, bullying, child sexual abuse, self-harm and mental distress - discretion is advised.
Find out more about…
Box breathing for relaxation and stress
The Revolution Tour for schools
Voices of Mentemia and how we work with Jazz
Voices of Hope movement co-founded by Jazz Thornton and Genevieve Mora