In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, I had the privilege of sitting down with Major General Gregg Martin, retired from the US Army, to discuss his remarkable journey living with bipolar disorder and the pivotal role leaders play in enhancing workplace mental health.

Major General Martin’s story exemplifies the intersection of leadership, resilience, and mental health advocacy. He opened up about his personal journey, recounting how his bipolar condition surfaced during his military service, ultimately leading to a profound transformation in his life and career. His candor and vulnerability underscored the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions, especially among leaders.

Throughout our conversation, Major General Martin emphasized two key takeaways: the recognition that leaders are human, susceptible to mental health conditions, and the importance of prioritizing mental health self-care to cultivate a supportive workplace environment.

Major General Martin issued a compelling call to action, urging individuals to educate themselves on mental health, normalize conversations, and advocate for recovery and wellness. His commitment to stopping the stigma surrounding mental illness resonated deeply with me and underscored the collective responsibility we have in creating healthier, more supportive workplaces.

As we concluded our conversation, I felt inspired by Major General Martin's resilience and determination to effect change. His journey serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and the transformative potential of leadership in mental health.

More about Major General Gregg Martin

Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin, PhD, USA (Ret.), served on active duty for thirty-six years and commanded an engineer company, battalion, and the 130th Engineer Brigade in combat during the first year of the Iraq War. General Martin served multiple overseas tours, commanded the Corps of Engineers Northwest Division, was Commandant of the Army Engineer School, commanded Fort Leonard Wood, was Deputy Commanding General of Third U.S. Army/Army Central in the Middle East, Commandant of the Army War College, President of the National Defense University, and Special Assistant to the Chief of Engineers. Martin holds a PhD and two master's degrees from MIT, master's degrees in national security strategy from both the Army and Naval war colleges, and a bachelor's degree from West Point (class of 1979).

Major General Gregg Martin is also the author of “BIPOLAR GENERAL: My Forever War with Mental Illness”.

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