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
mental health awareness
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
It’s True, I’ve Seen People I Will Never See Again
Photo by Mario Purisic on Unsplash It’s inevitable. In a crowded airport and on a full flight, I see plenty of people. And the chances of me ever seeing them again are infinitely small. They pass by with their suitcases in tow. Sometimes there are children, and sometimes dogs. So many of them are on their cell phones. They are texting or watching YouTube cat videos or … [Read more...] about It’s True, I’ve Seen People I Will Never See Again
This Is the Beginning of The Next Chapter in My Life with Depression
Photo by Dariusz Sankowski on Unsplash How do I know that the next page is a new chapter? Mostly because I am writing this chapter. And I have written every chapter of my life so far. However, many, if not every, chapter has its share of ghostwriters. And for the awards ceremony, depression is nominated for a supporting role. Had I not been genetically pre-disposed to … [Read more...] about This Is the Beginning of The Next Chapter in My Life with Depression
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?
