World Mental Health Day: A Conversation with John Barrington, EVP Global Performance Marketing

John Barrington had a pretty bad day right before one of his visits to Atlanta. When he arrived at the airport, he decided to search for a psychologist online, eventually agreeing to meet one. For someone who describes himself as upbeat and generally happy, the decision to seek professional help was a moment of reflection.

“I guess my goal was just to understand, ‘why am I feeling this way?’ Because, you know, I’m generally very upbeat and happy, and so my goal was just to figure that out and move on,” John recalls. He didn’t anticipate that this would become anything more than a short-term effort—just a couple of sessions to get back on track. But what happened next surprised him.

“I kept going because I honestly enjoyed getting to know who I am so much, and why I am the way I am,” John says. "The process was so much more enriching than I expected. I started rebuilding relationships and forging deeper connections that I didn’t even realize I’d craved."

The Journey Towards Self-Discovery

For John, what began as a simple search for clarity turned into a much more profound journey of self-discovery. “Fifteen years ago—or even ten years ago—I wouldn’t have told anyone what I’m telling you now,” he admits. “But I’m very open about it at work these days, and I think breaking down the stigma really helps to build bridges with people.”

By seeking help, John was able to reflect on aspects of his life he hadn’t previously considered. The experience not only helped him better understand himself, but it also transformed his relationships with others—both at home and at work. “I didn’t realize how much I needed deeper connections,” he explains. “It’s something I didn’t know I was missing.”

Mental Health in the Workplace

John’s openness about his mental health is a powerful example of how breaking down stigmas in the workplace can create more supportive and inclusive environments. “I’m open about my experience because I believe that getting to know ourselves is such an important part of personal development,” John says. He’s passionate about promoting mental health discussions within the corporate world, emphasizing that self-awareness and emotional well-being are key components of both professional success and personal fulfilment.

He adds, “It plays into every aspect of our lives and puts the accountability for change in our own hands. When we take the time to understand what’s going on internally, we can better navigate the external pressures and demands that come with our roles, whether in leadership or other positions.”

John’s willingness to share his journey has opened up conversations with colleagues who may have been struggling silently with their own mental health. It’s fostered a more transparent and empathetic work culture, something he believes is essential in high-pressure corporate environments like Global Performance Marketing.

Rebuilding Relationships and Embracing Vulnerability

One of the most unexpected outcomes of John’s therapy journey has been the impact it’s had on his relationships. "Therapy made me realize how much I was holding back in terms of vulnerability," John shares. “I thought I was doing just fine, but when I started peeling back the layers, I understood that there were things I hadn’t addressed, like how I connected with people.”

Through therapy, John has become more intentional in how he communicates with others. He says he’s now much more aware of his emotional needs and how he relates to friends, family, and even his colleagues. “I’ve rebuilt relationships that I didn’t even know needed rebuilding,” he reflects.

He also touches on how important vulnerability is, both in personal and professional settings. “Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s actually a strength,” John says. "When I’m open with my team about what I’m going through or how I’m feeling, it encourages others to do the same. And that’s where real connection and trust are built."

Changing the Narrative Around Mental Health

The stigma around mental health, especially in corporate environments, is still a major barrier for many. But John believes that by sharing his story and being open about his journey, he’s contributing to a necessary cultural shift. “We’ve made progress, but we still have a long way to go,” he says. "People are starting to realize that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health."

For John, the idea that mental health is something to be hidden or ignored is outdated. “Being able to speak openly about it has been empowering for me,” he says. “And I think it sets an example that no matter your position or level of responsibility, mental health should always be a priority.”

Taking Accountability for Change

One of the biggest takeaways from John’s experience is the notion that self-awareness puts the responsibility for change in our own hands. “It’s about accountability,” he emphasizes. "Once we understand ourselves better—what triggers certain feelings, what motivates us, what holds us back—we can take proactive steps to improve our well-being. And that’s empowering."

John believes that mental health should be an ongoing conversation, not just a one-off topic on World Mental Health Day. “It’s something that affects every aspect of our lives, from our personal relationships to our careers,” he says. “The more we talk about it, the more we can support each other and create environments where people feel safe to be themselves.”

For John, therapy wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about creating lasting positive change in his life. And that’s a message he wants to share with others: seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward living a fuller, more connected, and ultimately happier life.