{"id":12362,"date":"2022-05-27T15:08:36","date_gmt":"2022-05-27T15:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=12362"},"modified":"2022-06-09T13:54:08","modified_gmt":"2022-06-09T13:54:08","slug":"jay-glazer-unbreakable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/spring-summer-2022\/jay-glazer-unbreakable\/","title":{"rendered":"Jay Glazer, Unbreakable"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Carolyn Worthington<\/p><\/p>\n

I<\/span> want to be on Jay Glazer\u2019s team!<\/p>\n

Yes, Jay Glazer, National Football League insider for Fox Sports’ NFL pregame studio show, FOX NFL Sunday and now, author of\u00a0Unbreakable,<\/em> How I Turned My Depression and Anxiety into Motivation and You Can Too<\/em>.<\/a> And, it’s not just because I’m a\u00a0 football fan. It’s more about his inspiring story and mental health message. I\u2019ll tell you why in a minute.<\/p>\n

First, some thoughts about the importance of mental wellness …<\/p>\n

Throughout the pages of Healthy Aging\u00ae, we share informative lifestyle information, tips, and resources. You\u2019ll always find ideas on many aspects of wellness, particularly physical, social, financial, and mental wellness. However, I will be the first to admit that mental wellness, now more than ever, should receive more attention.<\/p>\n

Put the \u201cMental\u201d into Total Wellness<\/h3>\n

When we talk of a healthy lifestyle, most think of physical health: primarily diet and exercise. However, the world is waking up to how essential mental wellness is in the mix.<\/p>\n

What is \u201cMental Wellness?\u201d<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s our psychological and emotional well-being, and it\u2019s a barometer of how well we deal with the stresses of life. And, let\u2019s face it, everyone has stress in their lives. Some just deal with it differently than others.<\/p>\n

Mental health is so important there is even a national awareness month for it \u2026 May. Even though the month started over 70 years ago, it took until now for the general population to put the topic at the top of a healthy lifestyle list.<\/p>\n

Women have traditionally opened up about their mental health issues. Until recently, emotional wellness for men has been a kind of hush-hush topic. \u201cMen are supposed to be tough, invincible!\u201d \u201cOnly women can talk about their feelings.\u201d Well, all of that has gone by the wayside.<\/p>\n

Who is Affected by Mental Illness?<\/h4>\n

Depression and anxiety, two of the cornerstones of mental health, plague people from all walks of life, economic level, age, and race \u2026 even those who appear to \u201chave it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sadly, mental illness has been brought center stage recently with celebrity deaths. Singer Naomi Judd, 76, died of mental illness, according to her daughters Ashley and Wynonna. TV chef, author, and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain took his life just before his 62nd birthday.<\/p>\n

And one of the most beloved comedians of all time, Robin Williams, shocked the world by committing suicide attributed to severe depression at the height of his career.<\/p>\n

How can it be that someone like Michael Phelps, winner of 28 Olympic medals, contemplated suicide? Why would Buzz Aldrin, the second astronaut to step onto the moon, fall into depression after returning from space?<\/p>\n

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness<\/a> (NAMI), a national grassroots mental health organization, \u201ca common gender stereotype is that men are emotionally detached and uninterested in feelings. Society mistakenly views signs of distress as signs of weakness; because of this, our male population typically avoids the mental health support systems in place and views them as unnecessary or perhaps inadequate in addressing their demographic\u2019s issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s difficult to uproot and dispose of the old mantra of \u201cman up,\u201d but perhaps if we can turn seeking mental health treatment into an affirmative, \u201cmanly\u201d action, we can help more men get the treatment they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mental illness is a serious national health issue\u2026 21% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people). And, 78% of people who die by suicide are male, representing 1 in 5 adults.<\/p>\n

The COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years has not helped matters by creating severe and long-lasting mental health issues.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Seeking Solutions with Help from a Mental-Health Warrior<\/h3>\n

While there is not one specific thing that allows depression to take over the mind, it is clear that today, more and more people are opening up about their torment and are seeking positive solutions.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld age ain\u2019t no place for sissies,\u201d famed actress, Bette Davis, said. And neither is taking on depression and anxiety, according to Jay Glazer, NFL Insider on Fox Sports, author, actor, and motivator.<\/p>\n

In his new book, Unbreakable, How I Turned My Depression and Anxiety into Motivation and You Can Too<\/em><\/a>, Jay Glazer shares his own personal journey to fight and beat \u201cthe gray,\u201d as he calls it.<\/p>\n

If depression and anxiety have crept into your life or someone you love, Jay Glazer has some uplifting and powerful suggestions for meeting it head-on.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Jay Glazer, left, Michael Strahan, co-sportscaster, right<\/p><\/div>\n

Who is Jay Glazer?<\/h3>\n

Any avid football fan likely knows Jay Glazer<\/a>. He appears on FOX NFL Sunday, the pre-game show for the network\u2019s National Football League game telecasts, alongside other analysts and hosts such as Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Howie Long, and more.<\/p>\n

He became a sports insider and can boast big scoops such as reporting on \u201cSpygate,\u201d the 2007 scandal where the New England Patriots videotaped New York Jets\u2019 defensive coaches\u2019 signals from an unauthorized location. Jay is also credited with uncovering the mystery behind Tom Brady\u2019s missing Super Bowl jersey.<\/p>\n

In addition to becoming a regular on FOX NFL Sunday, Jay snagged a role in five seasons of Ballers, the HBO series along with Dwayne \u201cThe Rock\u201d Johnson.<\/p>\n

None of this success, however, came easy for Jay. For ten years, he struggled with how to pay his rent, often being rejected for not being good enough. No matter how many times he was turned away from grabbing the brass ring of being a full-time sports newspaper, TV, or radio journalist, he kept pushing forward, trying to discover what would make him different.<\/p>\n

Jay grew up in Manalapan Township, New Jersey. He attended Pace University with a degree in mass media in 1993. And then, for years he worked on fine-tuning his craft. He had a show on WABC and NY1TV, sometimes wondering if anyone was really watching.<\/p>\n

Steve Serby at The New York Post<\/em> gave him his first assignment \u2026 for $150. He grabbed whatever he could, like $10 a jingle for Bob Costas, stringer assignments for magazines, and worked on his craft.<\/p>\n

\u201cI basically bare-knuckle boxed my way into my exact fantasy job, not by being the smartest or the best educated or the person with the best manners\u2026I did it with qualities that are within your power to cultivate \u2013 authenticity, hard work, determination, loyalty,\u201d Jay said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a dream life, right? I mean, I am still waiting to wake up in fifth grade and find out that none of this shit has happened. What most of you don\u2019t know is that I accomplished all of this while living in my own painful, dark cell of depression and anxiety,\u201d Jay said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMental health is the hip, hot thing to talk about these days, and it\u2019s about time. But I have been privy to the painful reality of this issue for far too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Jay Glazer. He appears on FOX NFL Sunday.<\/p><\/div>\n

Life in the Gray<\/h3>\n

Jay describes his mental torture as “life in the gray.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI wake up every single morning, convinced the sky is falling, and it\u2019s this heavy sadness that exhausts me, drags me down, and eventually drowns me. Even with meds (the other four-letter word that has been prevalent in my life) and every other form of therapy I could try, the gray has clung to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook folks. I\u2019m not a doctor. I\u2019m not a therapist. I\u2019m not a psychiatrist. I\u2019m not clergy,” Jay said . . . “I\u2019m just a guy who has lived his entire life in the gray. But I\u2019m also a guy whom God blessed with the ability to communicate.\u201d<\/p>\n

And so he does as he unravels the mystery of \u201cbeing in the gray\u201d and offers solutions for how to get out of it to see the big beautiful, blue sky.<\/p>\n

Despite all of his career success, Jay describes his depression as something that engulfs him day and night. He says it led him to the painkiller Vicodin for eighteen years in part for the physical pain from his fight training and as a way to stop the emotional pain he had.<\/p>\n

Jay’s Three Pillars on How To Fight Against the Gray<\/h3>\n

In his book, Jay offers a road map consisting of three pillars on how to fight back \u201cagainst the gray.\u201d<\/p>\n

In locker-room speak throughout his book (which is ok because that\u2019s what he does \u2026 hang out in locker rooms), Jay offers the motivation for you to life depression from your life.<\/p>\n

How? Jay offers some tips like outwork the world and be the last one standing; shift the focus from yourself to others; learn from your scars.<\/p>\n

And more \u2026<\/p>\n

What has worked for Jay and might work for you to lift the gray are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Be of service<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Laughter<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Teammates<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    With the amount of energy Jay throws into each of these pillars, it\u2019s hard to believe that he has time to dwell on the gray. He offers so much inspiration and good to others by following his tenants.<\/p>\n

    \"\"

    Be of Service. Jay co-created Merging Vets and Players with former NFL player and Army Green Beret Nate Boyer. Photo: Courtesy Jay Glazer<\/p><\/div>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Be of Service<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Being of service has helped Jay enormously, he said. More than 20 years ago, he began a tradition of supporting the postal service by fulfilling many \u201cDear Santa Claus\u201d requests.<\/p>\n

      Of course, he took the role so seriously that he went the whole nine yards by hand-delivering gifts like a new pair of shoes or a jacket to kids in the Harlem, New York City projects.<\/p>\n

      \u201cYou always have something to give: your time, your assistance, your advice \u2026 even just your smile,\u201d Jay said. \u201cBeing of service does not have to be a monetary thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

      \"\"

      Jay opened the Unbreakable Performance Center in West Hollywood with former Chicago Bears\u2019 all-pro linebacker, Brian Urlacher. Photo: Courtesy of Jay Glazer. Instagram @jayglazer.<\/p><\/div>\n

      Touchdown Dreams Brightens Lives<\/h4>\n

      In 2003, he created Touchdown Dreams along the lines of the Make-A-Wish Foundation (\u201con steroids,)\u201d he said. The purpose is \u201cto enrich and brighten the lives of children battling life-threatening and rare illnesses, by bringing them together for a special day with their hometown football heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n

      In 2014, Jay opened the Unbreakable Performance Center in West Hollywood with former Chicago Bears\u2019 all-pro linebacker, Brian Urlacher, and U.S. Women\u2019s Volleyball Captain, Lindsey Berg.[6] The gym has become the home to many elite athletes, actors, musicians, and business people. Clientele have included Demi Lovato, Odell Beckham Jr., Chuck Liddell, Michael Strahan, Wiz Khalifa, Chris Pratt, and Sylvester Stallone.<\/p>\n

      \"\"

      Photo from a show Jay did at Ft. Benning for @nflonfox. Photo courtesy of Jay Glazer, Instagram @jayglazer<\/p><\/div>\n

      A year later, Jay co-created Merging Vets and Players with former NFL player and Army Green Beret Nate Boyer. The group pulls together two communities that support each other \u2013 combat veterans and former professional athletes.<\/p>\n

      2. Laughter<\/h3>\n

      Jay doles out plenty of it, often in the form of pranks to his friends. He is a firm believer that laughter will bring you through many shades of gray. \u201c\u2026humor is one of the most powerful medicines that help combat the gray,\u201d Jay said.<\/p>\n

      3. Teammates<\/h3>\n

      Join Jay\u2019s Team and Be Inspired<\/h4>\n

      Jay makes it loud and clear that we all need to be part of team to fight the gray. Join a team, create a team, be part of his team! \u201cWe all need a team, no matter who, or how successful, we are,\u201d Jay said.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \"\"

      Laughter is part of the game and Jay doles it out. (Left to right) Jay Glazer, Fox Football Analysts Terry Bradshaw and Jimmy Johnson. Photo: Courtesy – Lily Ro<\/p><\/div>\n

      <\/div>\n

      Some might call it the importance of social structure. Jay calls it teammates. With teammates, there is no obstacle too difficult to confront. No, you don\u2019t need to join a sports team. Teammates can be found anywhere. Jay suggests teams besides your sports and club friends to be people who share the same struggles as you. Teams can be animals and even God.<\/p>\n

      \"\"

      Jay celebrating with teammates at MVP Dallas which officially became the 7th chapter July 2021. Photo courtesy of Jay Glazer, Instagram @jayglazer.<\/p><\/div>\n

      By the end of the book, you will feel like you too want to be on Jay\u2019s team. I certainly felt like I wanted to be on Jay\u2019s team. What an inspirational person he is!<\/p>\n

      Drawing from John Belushi\u2019s scene in Animal House<\/em>, where he shouts “What? Over? Did you say \u2018over\u2019? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Hell no!… It ain\u2019t over now, \u2019cause when the goin\u2019 gets tough, the tough get goin\u2019. Who\u2019s with me? Let\u2019s go! Come on!…\u201d<\/p>\n

      Sure \u2026 Belushi ran out the front door of the fraternity house and no one followed him. But with Jay\u2019s pumped-up lessons on how to turn depression and anxiety into motivation, you will be motivated to help yourself and have your team following you . . . beating the gray and seeing the blue.<\/p>\n

      As Jay puts it, \u201cnow it\u2019s your turn, teammate.\u201d<\/p>\n

      I love inspirational people … And, this is why I want to be on Jay\u2019s team!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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