Meet Christopher Burgett

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Burgett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christopher, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Lights, Camera, Action
It’s all I knew. It’s all I ever prepared for. Performing in front of a crowd wasn’t just something I loved—it was what defined me. The energy of the fans, the roar of the stadium, the crackle of the intercom systems. Locking eyes with the opposition during the captain’s coin toss. The sharp, earthy smell of freshly cut grass beneath my cleats. It felt like going into battle, a place where adrenaline and purpose collided.

I had spent my entire life training for these moments. Stress wasn’t something I avoided; it fueled me. The pounding rhythm of my own heartbeat before kickoff was intoxicating, a symphony that only I could hear. It made me feel alive, unstoppable. But when the lights went off, so did the magic.

When the fairytale ended, I found myself in darkness. The roar of the crowd was replaced by deafening silence. The structure I had known for so long—the routines, the goals, the purpose—vanished. Depression crept in, shadowing every thought, every moment. I felt lost, grappling with a void that seemed impossible to fill.

At first, I didn’t know how to face it. The person who thrived in chaos and pressure, who lived for the big moments, suddenly didn’t know how to keep going. It felt like the battle I had spent my life preparing for was now inside me. And yet, just like on the field, I refused to give up.

I learned to fight in a different way. I leaned into the things that once felt like weaknesses—talking about my struggles, letting others in, and admitting when I needed help. I began to understand that life isn’t just about the bright lights and loud cheers; it’s about finding purpose in the quiet moments.

Slowly, I built a new playbook. Therapy became my training ground. Praying & meditation became my practice field. I surrounded myself with people who lifted me up, who reminded me that my worth wasn’t tied to my performance but to the person I am.

The road wasn’t easy, but I emerged stronger. I learned to embrace the shadows as much as the light. Depression didn’t defeat me; it taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of vulnerability.

Today, I’m still that person who thrives in the face of challenges. But now, I know that the battles worth fighting aren’t always on the field. Sometimes, they’re the ones we face within ourselves. And overcoming them is the greatest victory of all.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Growing Up & Getting By
I was born into a world surrounded by the warmth of grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and an extended family that called St. Louis, Missouri, home. Those early days were filled with love and familiarity, but life had a way of shifting. We moved to Alpharetta, Georgia, an affluent neighborhood where I was suddenly an outsider in an all-Caucasian community. It was a world of privilege, where wealth was a given, and I struggled to understand why our lives looked so different.

Our house was modest, our cars were old, and our story felt heavy with struggles I wished I could erase. There were times when the lights didn’t come on, when water didn’t flow, and when meals felt like miracles. I used to feel shame, an overwhelming sense of inadequacy that came from not having what other kids took for granted. Yet somehow, my parents endured. Through every hardship, they made sure we had what we needed—food on the table, clothes on our backs, and even birthday gifts or Christmas mornings that felt magical.

Looking back, I marvel at how they did it. My father never missed a game, rarely even a practice. He showed up, no matter what. My mother, raised in the Catholic Church, carried us through with her unwavering faith. Every Sunday, she was at Mass, praying with the kind of devotion that could move mountains. Their love was unrelenting, their sacrifices immeasurable.

And then I grew up. I moved out, stepped into the world, and began to see my life with a clarity I never had as a child. From the outside looking in, I finally understood. My parents’ journey was one of unimaginable perseverance and selflessness. They had poured every ounce of their strength into holding us together, into building a life that, while imperfect, was full of love and hope.

What I once saw as scarcity, I now see as resilience. What I once viewed with embarrassment, I now regard with immense gratitude. Every struggle they endured, every sacrifice they made, was a gift—a foundation laid for me and my siblings to climb higher. Their quiet, tireless determination wasn’t just survival; it was an act of profound love.

The dark times now feel like chapters in a story of triumph. My parents taught me to make the most of what we had, to stretch beyond what seemed possible, and to carry forward the lessons of faith, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. For all of it—the hardships, the love, the sacrifices—I am eternally grateful. They didn’t just get by; they gave us everything.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability. These qualities have not only helped me overcome adversity but have also shaped the person I continue to strive to become.

1. Resilience: The Never-Quitting Mentality
Resilience is what keeps you moving forward when life feels impossible. It’s the ability to get back up, no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down. For me, resilience meant recognizing that hard times wouldn’t last forever and that pushing through the pain was a necessary step toward growth. Whether it was facing personal challenges or battling mental health struggles, the choice to never quit became a guiding principle.

Lesson Learned:
Hard times don’t define you; how you respond to them does. Even when you feel at your lowest, keep going. You are stronger than you think, and every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Advice:
Build resilience by focusing on small victories. Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress, even if it’s just getting out of bed or completing a task. These small wins add up, creating momentum that propels you forward.

2. Self-Awareness: Admitting You Are the Problem
The hardest but most transformative lesson I’ve learned is that the biggest obstacle I face is myself. Admitting this isn’t about self-blame; it’s about taking responsibility. When you can accept that your thoughts, habits, and actions contribute to your challenges, you also open the door to change.

Lesson Learned:
Self-awareness is the foundation of growth. By acknowledging my flaws, I created space for transformation. Recognizing that my future self held the answers allowed me to shift my perspective and focus on who I wanted to become and it’s a never ending cycle.

Advice:
Practice self-reflection regularly. Journaling, meditation, or simply taking quiet moments to evaluate your thoughts and actions can help you identify areas for improvement. Once you see where you can grow, take deliberate steps to align with the person you aspire to be.

3. Adaptability: Walking Your Own Path
Life rarely goes according to plan, and adapting to change is a skill that has defined my journey. I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected and forge my own path, even when it felt like I was walking against the wind. Adaptability is about staying open to new possibilities and redefining success on your own terms.

Lesson Learned:
The ability to adjust to life’s twists and turns has been crucial in staying true to myself. I’ve discovered that by focusing on my values and long-term vision, I can navigate change with purpose and determination.

Advice:
Don’t fear change; embrace it as an opportunity to grow. When faced with uncertainty, focus on what you can control—your mindset, your effort, and your attitude. Remember that your path is yours to create, and it’s okay if it looks different from others’.

Advice for Those Facing Hard Times or Adjusting to Change
Focus on What You Can Control: Don’t waste energy on things outside your influence. Instead, channel that energy into actions that align with your goals.
Learn from Your Struggles: Every challenge teaches you something about yourself. Use those lessons to grow stronger and wiser.
Surround Yourself with Support: Find people who uplift and inspire you. Lean on them when times are tough, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Visualize Your Future Self: Picture the person you want to become. Let that vision guide your actions and decisions today.
Be Patient: Change takes time. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and trust the process of becoming.
No matter what you’re going through, remember this: your struggles are shaping you into someone stronger, wiser, and more capable. Keep moving forward. The best version of yourself is waiting for you on the other side of the storm.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, I’ve experienced what feels like the most significant personal growth I’ve ever had in one year. For me, everything comes down to balance—spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically—and this year, I’ve been intentional about doubling down on what I value most. That balance touches every aspect of my life, from how I approach business to how I show up for myself and the people around me.

Spiritually, I’ve leaned heavily into meditation, prayer, and my faith. It’s been about reconnecting with myself, staying grounded, and finding clarity in a world that can easily pull you in a million directions. This foundation has guided me through both personal and professional challenges and allowed me to make decisions with purpose and authenticity.

Mentally, I’ve taken a hard look at myself, faced my own reflections, and uncovered my core principles. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve embraced the work of being accountable to myself while also protecting my energy. This year, I’ve learned that staying clear on who I am and what I stand for makes all the difference in how I move through life.

Socially, it’s been a unique journey. On one hand, I’ve become more private—more selective about where I invest my energy. But at the same time, I’ve become more intentional and open with the people in my inner circle. I’ve started focusing on relationships that truly align with my values, and the reciprocity in those connections has been incredible. Those bonds have strengthened in ways I didn’t anticipate, and that growth has had a ripple effect on every area of my life.

Now, here’s where I’ve fallen short—physically. This is the pillar I know I need to focus on the hardest moving forward. I’ve realized that when all four areas—spiritual, mental, social, and physical—are aligned, that’s when I’m at my best. But I’ve been so focused on the other areas this year that I let this one take a back seat. What excites me most about the year ahead is bringing that same focus, creativity, and passion I’ve poured into everything else into elevating my physical health.

As a Multimedia Executive at Gray Digital, a leader in student-athlete mentorship at the University of Georgia through the Bulldawg Network, and an advocate for mental health awareness in Louisville, Kentucky, I’ve been focused on blending my passions into one cohesive vision. This year has been a journey of growth and reflection, refining how I balance creative design, business development, and mentorship. I believe creativity isn’t just about making—it’s about building a life you’re proud to live. I’m excited to fully commit to these four key areas and see where this dedication leads.

On top of that, I have exciting news to share soon: I’m launching a new hot sauce product line alongside Si Brown, the founder of Bruce Foods and Louisiana Hot Sauce. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to reveal more as this venture unfolds. The stage is set for what’s next, and I’m ready to lean into it fully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tmhaa.org
• Instagram: chrismburgett
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.burgett.902/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismburgett

Image Credits

Photos By: Apeiron Culture , Georgia Athletics, and Chris Burgett