Mental illness advocacy

I'm fighting back against mental illness to help others not end up where I did

My name is Tim Claiborne, and I've been battling severe mental illness since I was a child. To say that mental illness has ruined my life would be a massive understatement. I've embrace my responsibility to be an advocate for the mentally ill.  I understand the battle against suicide better than almost anyone, because my complex neurological disorders put me in the absolute highest suicide risk population on the planet. Suicidal thoughts and ideations are just part of my everyday life. I know how overwhelming the desire to end life can be, but I also know that the desire passes if I can withstand it. I know that I can survive ONE MORE day, and so can you. I frequently want to end my life, but I don't want to hurt others, so carrying my pain is my responsibility.

I focus on two areas:

#1 Helping kids with mental illness get the help they need: 50% of lifelong mental illness begins before the age of 14 (mine did). I was hospitalized as a child, pulled out school, put into substance abuse programs, and treated aggressively with medications and therapy, however nobody really understood the severity, rarity, or complexity of my illness back then, and I just got thrown away. So many people with neurological disorders get thrown away in this country. I believe my life could've turned out dramatically differently had I anyone known how to help me. I don't want other kids like me to end up like I did. Most kids with mental illness receive no treatment, and as the conditions progress into adulthood, the odds of success in life plummet.

#2 Encouraging men to take responsibility for their mental health: Had I been more proactive about seeking help as an adult I could've avoided completely destroying my life and hurting many people around. I lived a life of chaos and impulsivity that eventually caught up with me and nearly killed.  I can't relive my life, but I can help others create better outcomes than I did. I've learned so much along the way, and I've realized how little help is actually available for those in crisis. Over 40% of men have never talked to anyone about their mental. Men don't have friends. Like I did for so long, many men undermine their mental health outcomes by believing that mental illness isfake or exaggerated or can be overcome through working harder.

Losing everything from a financial and material perspective made me humble. It made me grateful for the little things. It made me realize that I was put on this planet to make a difference, not a dollar. I know that makes me a huge outlier and weirdo in American capitalism, but I've always embraced the outlier role.  I waited too long to get help, but I know I can still help others.

I want to be an example that ANYONE can make a difference. Anyone can lead, serve, and be useful. It doesn't matter what a mess you've made of life, how ashamed you of your yourself, or how badly you've failed. We just need the heart to serve, the courage to kill our ego, and the humility to ask for help. We can do great things when life isn't all about us.

Support Kids Mental Health Foundation

Support better mental health outcomes for kids

My name is It's a lot easier to raise healthy kids than to fix broken adults. 50% of lifelong mental illness begins before age 14. There are very few mental health resources available for kids. As we grow our in person events and golf tournament series, I hope to raise funds and awareness for the great work being done at Kids Mental Mental Health Foundation. Click here to learn more and make a donation to improve mental health outcomes for kids. You can literally change the entire trajectory of a young life!