A time to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions who have struggled with suicidal thoughts & the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted. Today I am standing up and am proud to be one of the millions who have struggled with suicidal thoughts. I know that sounds backwards, but I say proud for two reasons. The first and most important … [Read more...] about September marks #SuicidePreventionMonth
Suicide & Self-Harm
What Would Make Me the Happiest?
What would I do? How would I think? What would I spend my time doing? Firstly, I need to factor in my diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal ideation. Figuring out how to manage it has been my #1 focus for 4 ½ years. I still learn things every day about tools that will continue to give me an edge. And in that time, I have, with help, navigated different … [Read more...] about What Would Make Me the Happiest?
Straight Talk About My Journey with Depression
Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash In case you are new to my blog, my name is Joel and I live in Charlottesville Virginia. I am a middle-class male, and I have worked since I was 10 years old. My career spans over 50 years in retail management and along with my wife, I have raised 3 remarkable children. Recently, I finally said out loud that I have lived with … [Read more...] about Straight Talk About My Journey with Depression
Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
I’m Joel and I have Major Depressive Disorder. This short video gives a snapshot of what I am up against. I have learned one amazing thing about myself. Most of what I worry about never happens. I will time-travel into the future and imagine all kinds of trouble. But as the event plays out, the trouble never appears. My depression throws out some form of unhelpful thinking … [Read more...] about Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
Would I Be a Contender If I Get Out of My Own Way?
Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash So, the stars aren’t perfectly aligned for me to be a contender today. The few times they have been, depression was involved, and the outcome wasn’t pretty. My depression has this way of making things seem alright, and then it springs its trap. One second I am thinking “Life is good,” and the next I am circling the drain. Now when … [Read more...] about Would I Be a Contender If I Get Out of My Own Way?
