Keisha Lance Bottoms is a multifaceted woman known for her roles as a wife, mother, lawyer, CNN political commentator, and the 60th Mayor of Atlanta (2018-2022). Her career is marked by a dedication to equity and improving the city of Atlanta. Recently, Bottoms has become more open about her personal struggles with mental health and ADHD, offering insights into her strategies for managing these challenges while maintaining a demanding public life.
Mental Health and ADHD: A Candid Discussion
In an interview with Morra Aarons-Mele for the HBR Anxious Achiever Podcast, Keisha Lance Bottoms discussed her experiences with ADHD and anxiety. She explained, "Yes, I do. I have to work at settling myself down. It can serve you. I always say when it’s used for good, it’s great. When it’s not, it’s not. I do have ADHD. I absolutely do. There are layers to that. It can make you very anxious for things to happen very quickly. I’ve learned over time how to manage it. I can become very anxious, but I also probably have an equal amount of patience."
Bottoms highlighted how ADHD can be both a benefit and a challenge. On one hand, it fuels her drive to initiate and implement change rapidly. "It served me well when there are things that we really shouldn’t wait to make change on, when there are things that need to happen, when there are things that I need to lead on, and I need to get done. I don’t let my foot off the gas," she stated. However, she also acknowledged the difficulty in "unplugging" and the importance of balance. She recounted how the pressure of selling Turner Field kept her awake at night, illustrating the need to recharge and avoid long-term stress.
Strategies for Well-being
Bottoms emphasized the importance of intentional self-care. "Sleeping. Being intentional about getting rest. Being intentional about exercising. I used to be a runner and I tore my meniscus, and then I had a herniated disc. In the middle of the pandemic I started walking again and I enjoyed it so much. Not the physical part of walking, the emotional and mental part because I would feel those endorphins release. So sleeping more, exercise, and also just eating better. And being thoughtful of eating at all."
She also reflected on her time as mayor and the impact it had on her mental health. "It has shown me how important mental health is. I saw a picture of me, and there was a look of relief, there was a look of happiness, relaxation that I haven’t seen on my face in years." Bottoms realized that managing her capacity was crucial. "Just because I can manage 10 things on my plate, doesn’t mean that I really shouldn’t just have three things on my plate. For us to be the best of who we are, and who we show up to be, we have to have balance. Because something has to give. We all have a finite amount of emotional, mental, and physical capacity. It may seem infinite, but it’s really not."
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Overcoming Challenges and Self-Medication
Bottoms shared a personal struggle with anxiety and self-medication during her mayoral campaign. "Running for mayor, I would get so anxious sometimes. And there were times I had panic attacks before I would speak, and I never experienced that in my life. And I figured out at some point that Tylenol would help me settle me down. So I would take 2, 4, 6 Tylenol a day. I remember my mother saying “You’re going to destroy your liver.” So I had to ween myself off of Tylenol. I was self-medicating with extra strength Tylenol in an unhealthy way."
Her openness about this experience underscores her belief in the importance of acknowledging vulnerability. “I’m human. I too can have physical weakness, emotional weakness, moments of mental weakness. I’m not immune from that."
The Importance of Community and Support
While not directly related to Keisha Lance Bottoms, the provided text also highlights the importance of community and support in maintaining overall well-being. An example is Ms. McCauley, a resident at Peachtree Road Highrise, who experienced a period of isolation and weight loss due to hallucinations and fear. With the help of a behavioral therapist and the support of the community, Ms. McCauley regained her health and began participating in activities again. This story underscores the significance of supportive living environments and access to mental health resources.
Peachtree Road Highrise, located in Buckhead, Atlanta, is described as a diverse and convenient living space for senior and disabled residents. Its proximity to essential services and public transportation enhances the quality of life for its residents. The community actively seeks partnerships to provide additional support, including home health aids, transportation, and food assistance.
Notable Figures and Their Contributions
The provided text also mentions several other prominent figures who have made significant contributions in various fields:
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- Kimberly Jeffries Leonard: The 17th national president of The Links, Incorporated, an organization committed to enriching the culture and economic survival of African Americans. Leonard has expertise in public health and minority health programs.
- Kamala D. Harris: The Vice President of the United States, who has dedicated her career to public service, serving as District Attorney of San Francisco, California Attorney General, and United States Senator.
- Kim E. Campbell: Deputy Sergeant at Arms, United States House of Representatives, with over 25 years of experience in law enforcement with the United States Secret Service.
- Abina Billups: A social impact leader and founder of ABMC, LLC, committed to serving and advocating for civil and human rights issues.
- William J. Walker: Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, responsible for maintaining order and security in the House side of the United States Capitol complex.
- Opal Lee: "Grandmother of Juneteenth," a social impact leader and activist instrumental in making Juneteenth a national holiday.
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