By Jay Behrke

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NEW YORK

 

     "I was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)," said Wyatt of earlier mental challenges – now met and managed. "I started to notice signs of it when I was 12 when I moved to my new school. It was a feeling that I'd never had before. It was a different feeling than worrying about a test."

     Attempts at therapy were unsuccessful, but working with the Child Mind Institute in Manhattan helped Wyatt turn the corner. "I think that was definitely the big step; the one that really, really brought me to feeling like myself again."

     Feeling himself, apparently, makes this exceptional young man kind of a rock star. The Institute recognized his talent, extending him the opportunity to interview famous NBA player Kevin Love via Zoom regarding his widely acknowledged mental struggles as part of their "You Got This"campaign, broadcasting global awareness of mental health.

     This led to a featured sit-down with Carson Daly on the Today Show, where Wyatt got to talk with another celebrity who has been public about the mental challenges he has faced. Most recently, Wyatt was invited by Child Mind to join a panel featuring the Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, and the US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy.

     "It’s ok to talk about it," said  Emhoff. "It’s okay to just confide in somebody and not feel shame. And we talk a lot about reducing stigma."

     Which Wyatt is already doing by spreading the word to help countless others who need to learn this firsthand. ​

     I wonder who he'll interview next?

     

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