WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: PHILLIP ROUNDTREE
I connected with Phil via social media and on locker room talk a couple years ago. It has been dope to watch him tackle various aspects of mental health stigma, especially for black men. Check out how this dope brother adds Eustress to his life.
HEY PHILLIP, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
I am a full-time entrepreneur, Founder of Quadefy LLC, which formed in 2016 to promote the importance of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness, known as their "wellness quad". Within Quadefy I am a Wellness Coach to individuals, couples, and athletes looking to improve their "quad", a Professional Speaker on mental health, Host of The #YouGoodMan? A Men's Wellness Podcast, and facilitator of the #YouGoodMan? men's group in Philadelphia.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
As a Social Work professional, for the last 15 years, you’d think the answer would be a resounding “Yes”. However, that’s not the case. Only within the last 4 years, have I made more of a concerted effort to take care of myself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
Since I’ve been a practicing SW professional, I’ve encountered trauma on a daily basis for 14 of the last 15 years. Thus, I became adept at learning how to navigate my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to my mental health. The stressors are different as an entrepreneur, as I’m solely responsible for securing engagements, clients, and related income. The pressure is immense, due to the ebb and flows related to full-time entrepreneurialism. However, I’m encouraged as I continue to do a great job in coping when undesirable feelings arise.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
Four years ago, I realized that I need to be more intentional about my mental health, which started with me taking medication for depression and anxiety, which I have lived with for 20 years. Two years ago, it evolved into me restarting therapy, being consistent in attending. Lastly, I’ve honed my coping skills to deal with the rigors of life.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I utilize healthy coping strategies to manage stressors. For me, that looks like controlled breathing (inhale-exhaling), exercise, laughing as much as possible, and saying "No".
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
Being mentally healthy allows me to be more efficient in my work. In addition, it allows me to thoroughly enjoy the process and outcome of my efforts, presenting my best self to those with whom I come in contact.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
Eustress for me looks like challenging myself with difficult tasks and completing them. Problem-solving is also a critical component in producing eustress, as it builds confidence, which directly impacts self-esteem. At home, it looks like engaging my daughter, she can be a handful, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Lol. Strength training, running, walking in nature, interacting with friends are all ways that I take care of myself.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
I always encourage people to find a healthy balance between work and their life outside of work. This means spending time with friends, family, binge-watch Netflix, do nothing, etc. Take your breaks and lunches. Do not sacrifice your wellness for a job that’ll replace you. You are more than what you’re most known for!.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU’RE UP TO?
My goals are to continue Wellness Coaching, helping people meet their goals, improving upon their life’s current trajectory. If interested, check out www.quadefyllc.net/coaching Tune into the #YouGoodMan? Podcast on all platforms. Also for the remainder of May, all merchandise at www.quadefyllc.net/shop is 25% off when you use the promo code “ProtectYourQuad”. Always remember to Protect Your Wellness Quad”.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Website:
Instagram:
Phil_Quadefy
Twitter:
Facebook:
PhillipMSW
Email:
phil@quadefy.net
