Close

OnThe Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews experts, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life.

Subscribe Now:Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Google Podcasts

Meet Mallory Weggemann

Mallory Weggemann began swimming competitively at age 7. But, in 2008, an injection that was supposed to treat her back pain left her paralyzed from the waist down. Three months after her injury, she returned to swimming. She went on to break 24 American Records, 15 World Records, and she is a gold medalist in the paralympics.

She’s also the author of a great book called Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance.

Why Mallory Weggemann Is Mentally Strong

Mallory couldn’t control her circumstances. But, she took control of herattitude. She chose to continue swimming competitively after her injury. And even though things were a lot different for her after becoming paralyzed, she chose to keep striving to reach her greatest potential.

What You’ll Hear on the Show

What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength

Your beliefs about your capabilities and your limitations affect every aspect of your life. If you believe you can’t do something, you won’t try. If, however, you’re willing to challenge your assumptions, you might discover that you’re more capable and competent than your brain gives you credit for.

If you view yourself as a helpless victim when you encounter problems, you likely won’t take any action to make things better. Consequently, your mental health will decline.

If, however, you see yourself as someone who is able to tackle life’s toughest challenges, you’ll empower yourself to address problems head-on. That can help you stay mentally healthy during tough times.

Of course, not all problems can be solved. You can’t fix a family member’s health issue. And you can’t force someone with an addiction to change. But you can address how you feel about those problems. You can reach forhealthy coping strategiesto help you move through uncomfortable emotions in a helpful way.

Mallory talks a lot about her experiences with grief and the shifts in the way she viewed herself over time. She makes it clear that she continues to be a work in progress and there wasn’t a clear timeline on when she should work through her grief.

Quotes From Mallory

Mallory WeggemanI didn’t have the answers for what that life was going to look like. But I did know that very simple choice of choosing to get out of bed that next morning was such a big, pivotal moment.

Mallory Weggeman

I didn’t have the answers for what that life was going to look like. But I did know that very simple choice of choosing to get out of bed that next morning was such a big, pivotal moment.

More About the Podcast

The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, pleaseleave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too.

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?