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Hello! Who are you?
My name is Jason Morehouse, and I am an entrepreneur in the technology sector. I have a lovely family that makes life exciting and joyful, most of the time – teens are fun. We also have a couple of cats that add extra warmth to our home in Victoria, British Columbia.
My professional background spans various industries, but I have always had a deep curiosity for technology and, more recently, mental health. Mental health has been omnipresent since my earliest memories. My passion for fairness is why I created HiBoop. This mental health assessment platform aims to make mental health resources more accessible through scientifically backed, objective, and comprehensive self-assessments.
Outside of work, I love hiking, reading, and cooking—finding joy in the little things is crucial for me. I consider myself to be happy, but the idea of true happiness is complex, and to me, life is more about finding balance and authenticity.
Happiness isn’t the week-long vacation in Hawaii; it’s the thirty-five seconds where you feel at peace, with your legs dangling in the water and the sound of loved ones laughing in the background.
We tend to put so much emphasis on big moments because we are all so busy. That’s how we overcompensate. We go to Disneyland and stand in lines, often miserable, so we say we did it and have happy Instagram pictures. But it’s the tiniest moments in between the chaos that we often fail to acknowledge.
What is your struggle and when did it start?
My symptoms have been manifesting since my early childhood, but I did not get properly diagnosed until much later in life. In school, I was often misunderstood and just figured out a way to shapeshift through the world.
My symptoms ranged from intense anxiety and panic attacks to profound difficulty focusing on tasks, and I did not know what was going on. These issues persisted into adulthood, affecting my work and personal relationships. It was not until I sought professional help and received a proper diagnosis that I began to understand the root causes of my struggles.
A few years ago, I decided to take my mental health into my own hands. I researched different facilities, and within a few days, I was at a specialized treatment center.
After various assessments, I was officially diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Through learning about my diagnoses, exploring medication options, and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), I’ve become much better equipped to manage my symptoms and am in a far better place than I was two years ago.
How did this struggle make you feel at your worst moments?
At my lowest points, my mental health issues severely impacted my happiness. Anxiety and panic attacks would strike without warning, leaving me feeling helpless and overwhelmed. There were days I could not get out of bed, and even simple daily tasks felt insurmountable.
For a long time, I tried to mask my struggles from those around me. I put on a brave face at work and social gatherings, but internally it was an uphill battle. Without fully understanding what was happening to me, it was difficult to receive access to help.
It was not until I started opening up about my experiences that I realized how isolating it was to keep everything bottled up. Although it was a relief to have those answers, it remains an ongoing process.
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Was there a moment when you started to turn things around?
The turning point came when I received my diagnosis at the specialized treatment facility. I reached a point where I needed clarity about my situation, so I took the necessary steps to take time away from family and company to pursue those answers.
My time at the facility and finally understanding what was happening to me gave me a sense of relief and validation. I spent years struggling without knowing what or why, but once I had a clear understanding, I could take deliberate actions to manage my conditions.
I struggled with my mental health all my life, and it wasn’t until I took action and sought professional help that I was able to make a significant change. If I were to quantify this in percentages, I would say 75% of the change was due to my own proactive steps to research facilities and find the help I needed. The remaining quarter (25%) was due to supportive circumstances.
My progress has included a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes that have significantly improved my quality of life. Embracing acceptance and cherishing life’s small moments make life easier. Still, I have big goals; they just don’t define my happiness.
What steps did you take to overcome your struggle?
The best thing I ever did was attend the treatment facility. It took me a lot of courage to take time away from my existing life and everything I knew, but it got me the answers I needed to move forward with my life and show up presently for those around me.
One of the most effective steps after my diagnosis has been undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT has helped me reframe my thoughts and develop healthy coping mechanisms by helping me look at the history of my life and how it impacts the way I react to certain situations. Medication has also played a crucial role.
Finding the right balance took time and patience, but it has made a significant difference in managing my anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
To anyone in a similar situation, I recommend seeking professional help as early as possible. However, I understand that treatment can be an incredibly expensive process that is not accessible to many. While I was grateful to have the opportunity to go to a treatment facility, it led me to think about all those who have had a similar struggle and have been left alone to navigate the broken mental health care system.
This inspired me to create HiBoop to help people navigate the complexities of the mental health journey by breaking down barriers to accessibility and getting the diagnoses they need. It is a tool I wish I had access to early on.
Have you shared any of this with people around you in real life?
I have been quite open about my mental health struggles—sometimes too open. Initially, it was challenging to talk about, but over time I realized the importance of sharing my experiences. When I finally felt comfortable discussing my situation with close friends and family, I was met with unwavering support.
Despite this conversation not being the norm for leadership teams and executives, I have learned that being open about my mental health has helped reduce the stigma and encouraged others to seek help. I have a lot of responsibility in my position, and with that, I also acknowledge that people have a lot going on in their personal lives.
As a leader, I feel a responsibility to speak up. The purpose of HiBoop has been to bring awareness to our collective struggles and figure out a way to make access to that support more readily available to everyone who needs it.
If you could give a single piece of advice to someone else that struggles, what would that be?
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to seek help and not try to go through it alone –understanding that it is okay to ask for help and that you do not have to manage everything on your own.
One of the pivotal moments for me was receiving a formal diagnosis. It was incredibly validating and empowering, providing clarity about what I was going through. With this understanding, I was able to identify triggers and respond quickly when a panic attack began. Access to these tools and resources enabled me to take control of my life and manage my condition more effectively.
What I wish I knew then was all the resources and people out there who can and want to help. Platforms like HiBoop aim to support people navigating their mental health journey and get a pathway to a faster diagnosis. Building a support system can alleviate burdens and create a safe space for others to share their thoughts and feelings.
Mental health can be incredibly complex and daunting, but it is important to know you are not alone.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or other resources for you?
Honestly, the best books I’ve read recently are on my Kindle, and they have nothing to do with mental health or technology. They are novels, beach reads—perfect escapes where I can disconnect.
There’s a common trend among entrepreneurs who feel they need to read three business books a week, and that’s fine if it works for them. But in my view, it’s not sustainable to neglect the other side of your brain. You need sleep, and you need stimulation outside of work (hello, ADHD).
That said, I also listen to a lot of podcasts. I’m a big fan of history and geography, and I’ve learned more about mental health through these than just living it. Here are a few favourites:
- https://islandadhd.ca/video/neurodivergent
- https://islandadhd.ca/video/failing-at-normal
- https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos
- https://ttfa.org/
Is there anything else you think we should have asked you?
I think we have covered a lot, but one thing I would like to add is the importance of self-compassion. Understanding that it is okay to have bad days and that setbacks are a part of the healing process is vital for long-term health and, yes, happiness. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing the best you can.
Where can we go to learn more about you?
You can find me on LinkedIn and read more about HiBoop here.
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