The Horizon of Hope
May 2023
Michael here...again. I hope you are well, happy and thriving wherever you are!
In the last two weeks I have been impacted by the topic of this newsletter, personally, and also through friends, family, and acquaintances. So, I'd like to share a few thoughts that might help someone going through... depression.
I've chosen to be open about my experience with depression in hopes of helping anyone dealing with the same thing.
I have dealt with, managed, and suffered through depression since I was fifteen years old. It comes in many forms, often in the middle of difficult times, but also out of nowhere for no good reason. Those who have experienced this know what I am talking about. To those who haven't, or haven't had someone they love go through it - it is something that is difficult to understand. You can't see it, but it is very real.
A few weeks ago I found myself in the middle of a depressive episode that had been coming on for a long time. I'd tried to hide it, as I usually do, but I finally broke down. Luckily I have Hannie, and she understands having dealt with it herself. It was invaluable to have her talk with me, sit with me silently, encourage me, and help me take action. It is powerful in the middle of depression to have someone that understands - and all it took was me getting through my pride to ask her for help.
If you are suffering, and you feel alone as you likely will (it's one of the things about depression, whether you're alone or not - you'll feel that way) - please ask for help. This is very difficult to do sometimes! I'm stubborn and prideful and as a husband and father want to be the strong one...even after 25 years I still try to hide it and tell myself It'll pass...sometimes it does, but often it doesn't. It's not until I choose to ask for help that I begin to make any progress. So please, muster the energy you have and reach for The Horizon of Hope. It's the hope that the darkness you're in will give way to light above the horizon. It may be dim, but it's there! As you reach out and get the help you need, it'll become brighter and brighter and the darkness will begin to disperse.
Thank you for indulging me in the personal reflection, and plea. We receive notes and correspondence from people going through difficult times, often depression. Our focus and goal are to bring more light and goodness into your life. Whether you subscribe to a story, follow us on social media, or read our newsletters we hope you find light and goodness in what we do.
Michael