Leading through anxiety and depression

Leading through anxiety and depression

From Before You Kill Yourself: a suicide prevention podcast. by Leo Flowers

March 30, 2026 · 12 min · Episode 814

About this episode

In this episode, Leo Flowers reflects on his leadership experience at a group home and discusses the challenges of balancing authority with warmth while managing anxiety and depression.

In this episode, I reflect on my time leading a cottage at a group home and how stepping into a leadership role challenged my identity, anxiety, and desire to just be the “fun guy.” I unpack the psychological shift from being liked to being responsible, and how consistent structure reduced chaos, stress, and mental overload — ultimately allowing me to lead with both authority and warmth. Why I initially hated being in charge despite caring deeply about the kids and staff The internal conflict between being the fun, relational leader vs. enforcing rules and boundaries How anxiety, rumination, and self-doubt intensify in leadership roles The realization that structure (being “the law”) creates the conditions for fun and connection How consistency and staff alignment helped the environment run itself over time Why silence, avoidance, and unclear expectations increase stress for everyone A key reframe: you may not hate leadership — you may hate unstructured chaos Practical takeaway: clarity, consistency, and support reduce mental load and make leadership sustainable Thrive With Leo Coaching :  If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own…

Topics covered

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • leadership
  • mental health
  • structure

Keywords

  • psychological shift
  • fun leader
  • rules and boundaries
  • mental overload
  • clarity
  • consistency

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Thrive With Leo Coaching

Places: US

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