Overcome Shame with Actor and TV Host Terry Crews

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a renowned psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her acclaimed books, such as "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do," have been translated into over 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," ranks among the most viewed of all time.

Webby Award-Winning Podcast Episode

This episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast earned the 2023 Webby Award in the Health & Wellness Podcast category.

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About Terry Crews

Terry Crews transitioned from an NFL athlete to a celebrated actor and TV host. He is best known for roles in "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and hosting hits like "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and "America’s Got Talent."

His latest book, "Tough," shares candid stories from his upbringing, NFL career, and how his understanding of true toughness has transformed over time.

The Evolution of Terry’s Mental Strength

Growing up amid domestic violence, Terry equated toughness with suppressing emotions and showing physical strength. His NFL experience initially reinforced these beliefs.

Eventually, he realized that expressing emotions requires greater courage than hiding them. He also confronted the shame tied to his secret struggle with pornography addiction.

Through seeking treatment and opening up about his feelings, Terry embarked on a healing journey that strengthened both himself and his marriage. Now, he openly shares his path to authentic mental resilience.

Understanding Pornography Addiction

What You'll Discover in This Episode

• The shift in Terry’s definition of toughness over the years
• How he moved from seeking external validation to cultivating intrinsic motivation
• The pivotal moment that inspired him to seek help
• The hidden challenges of his pornography addiction
• Insights Terry gained about shame and its antidote
• Reasons behind his decision to share his story publicly
• His brave disclosure of being sexually assaulted
• The most impactful advice he ever received
• How he overcame the tendency to please others
• Key self-discoveries made during therapy

Addressing Marginalized Mental Health: Expert Insights

Lessons on Mental Health and Building Strength

Shame often leads individuals to interpret their behaviors as moral failings, resulting in harsh self-judgment and difficulty making positive changes.

Like many, Terry felt trapped living a double life, hiding his addiction for fear of rejection. This silence intensified his struggles.

Shame and addiction frequently coexist, but there are effective ways to break free and nurture mental well-being.

Powerful Quotes from Terry Crews

Terry Crews

"I had to redefine toughness. For nearly four decades, I believed toughness meant rising earliest, working hardest, and pushing through exhaustion." — Terry Crews

• "Self-righteousness is universal and dangerous; it can justify harmful actions regardless of background or identity."
• "Whenever I hear the word ‘should,’ I recognize shame is at play."
• "I had to reveal the depth of my struggles to show how far I’ve come. Starting with a polished story wouldn’t have helped anyone."

The Six Stages of Change

About The Verywell Mind Podcast

The Verywell Mind Podcast is accessible on all major streaming platforms. If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others prioritize their mental health.

Reviews and ratings inspire more listeners to engage with valuable mental health content.

Editor's Note: This transcript may contain errors and has not undergone full editorial review. Thank you for your understanding.

For media inquiries, contact press@verywellmind.com.

Download the Transcript

Additional Resources

Follow Terry on Instagram: @TerryCrews

Purchase Terry’s Book: Tough: My Journey to True Power

Recommended Episodes:

• Friday Fix: Reframing Your Shame
• Fighting Depression with NFL Reporter Jay Glazer
• Friday Fix: Viewing Vulnerability as Strength, Not Weakness

Explore Vulnerability as a Source of Strength

• The Verywell Mind Podcast
• Addiction

By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and bestselling author whose work has reached readers worldwide. Her TEDx talk on mental strength remains one of the most popular presentations ever delivered.

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