Finding Strength in Weakness

To mark World Mental Health Day 2024, Co-Founder Ben Cowley shares his experiences of a subject close to the heart of the Pace Six Four family.

"In December 2012, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Today, 10th October 2024, marks the first time I have spoken publicly about it outside the inner circles of my family, my friends and my colleagues at Pace Six Four.

With workplace mental health being a key theme of World Mental Health Day 2024, the time feels right to share my experiences with the wider world.

For years, I hid this fundamental feature of my personality from everyone, let alone my professional connections.

I was afraid. Afraid of being judged. Of those I care about seeing and treating me differently. Of being deemed unfit to perform my role. Of being limited in my potential.

?In reality, the only thing holding me back from being the best version of myself was failing to see the strength that comes from embracing what is too often perceived as a weakness.

Opening up about my struggles with mental health has brought me closer to those who truly matter to me – not just personally, but professionally.

It has allowed me to learn from and be inspired by others, and to empathise with the ups and downs of life that all of us [and I mean all of us] experience from time to time.

I feel it has made me a better person and, I hope, a better leader.

From day one, I have been completely transparent with the team at Pace Six Four about my own experiences and feel humbled that many have felt comfortable enough to do the same in return.

They know that antidepressants were not the right solution for me, but that having the privilege of access to counselling has been [and continues to be] transformational.

They know that beyond my light-hearted, sociable exterior, lies an individual with deep-rooted insecurities and a persistent sense of imposter syndrome.

They know that some days I am not ok.

They know who I am, and they accept me for my flaws.

My story is not unique. Far from it. I am simply fortunate enough to have colleagues who see beyond the stigma and allow me to be a true version of myself at work, and for that I am immensely grateful.

Through the support of those closest to me and my fantastic counsellor, I feel happier and more comfortable in my skin than ever before.

Nobody is perfect. Everybody struggles sometimes. But this is not weakness.

Understanding who you are and what you need to be your best self is key to unlocking your potential. And surrounding yourself with people who give you the time, space and support to do so can be an immense source of strength – you are never alone."