It was the breakup of his relationship that brought him down. Really down. Tired. Feeling bone-weary. No energy in the mornings. A tightness in his chest. Pounding in his heart.
At first, he told himself it was just the after-affects of the break-up. “Get over it dude,” well meaning friends told him.
But he couldn’t get over it. It kept interrupting his peace of mind. Breaking into his consciousness and pummeling his will into submission. And then, he took an online screening test for depression and discovered what was at the root of his unease.
Yesterday, when I met with Craig Lester from 660 News to talk about an online chat he has organized for the radio station on Friday, he shared his story of why he wants to educate people about depression.
“Can I share your story with others?” I asked.
He was quick in his response. “Yes. Of course. That’s why I tell it. I want people to know what happened to me so that maybe from my experience they can avoid going as deep as I did into depression.”
Craig Lester is making a difference.
Big time.
This week on the radio station he has produced a series on depression, interviewing one of the world’s foremost experts, Dr. Michael D. Yapko, whose book, “Depression Is Contagious — How the most common mood disorder is spreading around the world and how to stop it“ presents a radical and enlightening look on how our social systems are the foundation of depression. We don’t need to run to drugs, says Yapko, we need to run to eachother.
Craig is reaching out to everyone to ensure they know — no matter how sad you’re feeling, there is help. There is a way out. Included in his series, Craig has interviewed people who have suffered from depression, as well as Dianna Campbell-Smith, the Director of Counselling at the Calgary Counselling Centre. It is a fascinating and informative look at a dark subject.
Untreated, depression can drive you deeper into the darkness to that place where suicide appears as the only answer. Depression should never kill. Yet it does. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association:
- Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.
- Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds.
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.
- Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.
Depression hurts. Suicide kills.
People like Craig, (and blogger, author, speaker Lee Horbachewski whose book, A Quiet Strong Voice, about her own battle with depression and several suicide attempts is being launched this month) are making a difference.
Mental health makes a difference! How’s yours? Are you feeling happy, sad or glad? Is anger getting a rise out of you? Is sadness bringing you down?
Don’t let the ‘stigma’ of mental health be your reason for not checking it out.
On Friday, May 11th, visit
660News.com
for a live chat on depression. A counsellor from the Calgary Counselling Centre will be online between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., to answer questions and provide help. The live chat is open to anyone who wants to talk about depression, are looking for information or just need someone to talk to.
Dare Boldly 
Hugs Jo-Anne.
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Depression is such a terrible condition I suffer from it as does hubby and I have one daughter who has been on medication for it since she was 15………
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“Depression hurts. Suicide kills” It’s true. Depression hurts very bad and for a very long time, suicide might be the end of the pain, but it also take away the beauty of Love
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Yes Nikky. And we all deserve to live in the beauty of Love. We are all worthy of love and life. Hugs
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Thank you Lee — I think when people like you share their stories as you are, you created a brilliant path for others to follow and in the process, light up the world with hope and love! Thx for all you do.
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Louise, thank you so much for shedding light on depression and for highlighting the hard work that Craig has been doing in his 5 part series this week on Unmasking Depression.
It is in the real life stories that we have the opportunity to make a difference, to let others know they are not alone. Reading all the wonderful comments here fills my heart with gratitude and pride.
Hugs, Love & gratitude
Lee
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I wonder how good it is to read the book “Depression Is Contagious” When we just learn to appreciate thing we can start to smile again and that really helps me. It’s my personal experience.
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It’s a good question — for me, reading it is informative, and part of what he is saying is exactly what you are saying, that appreciation is integral to helping ourselves smile again! Thank you so much for visiting and sharing your smile!
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a million dollar post louise, if we can open our heart to someone reliable about our depression and pain and get a sympathetic ear that really makes us alive again. i know it because i have met such friends.
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Thanks Trisha — and I agree — our human connections make all the difference.
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I hope that the stigmas around depression will end so we can talk about it openly and help each other. Anxiety drugs can only mask the symptoms.
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So true Dianne. In Yapko’s book he really talks about the power of human connection to heal and raise our spirits. It’s really powerful. Thanks for popping in to comment! 🙂
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im almost 13 years old. i sueffr from O.C.D. (obsessive compulsive disorder) A.D.D. (attention deffecite disorder) depression and i have anger issues. i have to walk around with a fake smile. i dont know how to be myself cause i dont know who i am. im always sad or mad. im confused. i dont know why i feel this way. sometimes i think if i were to kill myself i would no longer feel pain. but i know that is not the answer. im lost. i feel lonley i feel like i have nowhere to turn. i need help..
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It takes a few brave souls in this world to help others know that they are not alone in their suffering. Much thanks to you and Craig for being two of them 🙂
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That feeling of being alone is debilitating Diana — Craig is pretty inspiring. Thanks!
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Getting the word out is wonderful! This is indeed a difference we need to see in our world – a better understanding of what depression is and how to help, and a more caring attitude toward people who are suffering with it. Too often the sense of shame and failure keeps them from reaching out. I applaud Mr. Lester – he is a hero! 🙂
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Craig is a hero Josie! Thank you for calling him out! Hugs
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Such an important subject. Those who have experienced it and can talk about it can be especially effective in helping others get past the stigma.
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It really is important Maureen. I just had dinner with Michael Yapko and his insight is astounding! Depression is epidemic proportions.
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