Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1719 - Flourishing or Just Functioning? with Renato Discenza

Title: Brian Crombie Radio Hour: Are You Flourishing or Just Functioning? Mental Health, Purpose & Finding MeaningPodcast Description:You go to work, pay the bills, meet your responsibilities and keep life moving. From the outside, everything looks fine. But are you truly happy and fulfilled, or have you simply become very good at functioning?On today’s Brian Crombie Radio Hour, Brian is joined by Renato Discenza, qualifying registered psychotherapist and founder of Discern Counselling, for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, relationships, loneliness, personal growth and finding purpose in life.After decades in business, executive leadership and healthcare, including serving as CEO of Invest Toronto, Renato made the decision to return to university later in life to study counselling psychology. His experience volunteering on crisis lines during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of listening, human connection and emotional support.Together, Brian and Renato explore why people prioritize preventative physical healthcare but often wait until they experience a crisis before seeking support for their mental well-being.They also discuss the growing awareness surrounding mental health and the importance of distinguishing mental illness from difficult but natural human experiences such as grief, sadness, worry, disappointment and heartbreak.The conversation examines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the influence of social media, increasing feelings of loneliness and the difference between having hundreds of online connections and having meaningful relationships with people you can depend on.At the centre of the discussion is a powerful question: Are you functioning, or are you flourishing?A person can have a successful career, financial stability and a loving family while privately struggling with anxiety, loneliness or a lack of direction. Renato explains why true fulfillment involves looking beyond external success and asking deeper questions about personal values, relationships, happiness and purpose.Brian and Renato also explore faith, spirituality, major life transitions and the courage to begin a new chapter, drawing on Renato’s own journey of leaving an established career to pursue a different calling.From mental health and emotional well-being to meaningful relationships, personal fulfillment and discovering your purpose, this episode of the Brian Crombie Radio Hour offers an insightful look at what it means to live a life that goes beyond simply getting through the day.Because therapy isn't always about fixing something that's broken. Sometimes it's about understanding yourself well enough to decide what you want your next chapter to become.