Daniel Sarginson Speaker | New Speakers & Well-being & Drugs/Alcohol & Mental Health & Happiness

Daniel Sarginson

The importance of self understanding - sharing what I have found during my battle with mental health and professional sport

Sharing what I have learned and uncovered during my battle with mental health.

I grew up under the impression that success directly equated to happiness. I found out there was a lot more too it after suffering for 12 years during my professional rugby career, playing at the highest level, representing my country and achieving championship titles.

My external world became my dream on paper, but how I felt internally was the opposite. Suppression of my emotions led me down a long winding, dark path to suicidal ideation.

I had to turn and face my problems, with an open mind and surrendering to the fact I needed help and couldn't do it all alone.

The talk covers everything I experienced during my childhood that had a later effect on my wellbeing, exploring the need to self reflect with brutal hard hitting honesty.

The main power behind the talk is the contrast between the opening video of me playing professional rugby and appearing, 'tough, successful and happy', but in reality, it was the complete opposite, reinforcing the need to nurture our internal world.

Testimonials from Teachers

"Dan (Sarginson) was our keynote speaker for the University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health annual International Men’s Day Event. Dan was the perfect speaker from start to finish, keen to ensure he met our requirements on content, timing and interactivity.

Dan’s talk was moving, yet interesting, bringing real-world advice and connecting closely with the audience. His advice was relatable and memorable, and attendees were overwhelmingly impressed with the information shared which was reflected in the positive comments we received after the talk.

Thank you Dan, we look forward to working with you again."

– Natalie Liddle, Senior engagement officer, Manchester University

"I recently had the pleasure of attending Dan Sarginson's talk on mental health, and I can confidently say that if your school is looking to raise awareness of mental health, then getting Dan in to speak to your students and staff is an absolute must. The feedback from all staff and students has been nothing short of astonishing. Dan spoke with such honesty and passion, and he truly embodies the importance of dealing with mental health in a positive, inspiring way. He is the true definition of a role model. I cannot recommend Dan's talk highly enough, and I believe that it is an essential component of any school's approach to mental health. Thank you, Dan, for your tremendous contribution to our school's mental health awareness efforts.

Thank you very much"

– Mr R.Gunn, Assistant Headteacher, Rickmansworth School

"Dan visited Watford Grammar School for Boys and delivered powerful assemblies to our Year 9 and 10 students. In the current climate it is essential that our young male students feel confident to speak out when they are experiencing mental health challenges and this talk encouraged our students to do just that. By outlining his personal experiences Dan showed that even if outwardly things may appear to be going well, it is still ok to not be ok. We were so impressed by Dan we have invited him to speak to our next cohort of Year 9 students this year"

– Olivia Wallis