Why Share Your Mental Health Story?


But do we really want to hear everyone's depression story?

 I mean isn't it a little bit depressing?

 Let's face it - DEPRESSION IS DEPRESSING!

 Whether it's hearing someone else's story or your own over again, it can be a downer, but not always.

 If someone just shares the details of how awful depression is, well, I'm not too thrilled. I already know about that stuff.

 But, if there is a purpose to those details, if it is leading to some idea which is productive or insightful or encouraging or inspiring, well count me in!


I describe these kinds of stories 'victorious suffering'.

 Well-known hockey hero Derek Sanderson has written book  'Crossing the Line'. It's a graphic description of his addiction to drugs and alcohol. He really gives a lot of details that normally might cause me to quit reading. But there was a purpose in his telling and the ultimate happy ending, and the way that he got there was made more poignant by contrast of where he ended up.
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His is an inspiring story of overcoming, but not without a lot of suffering leading up to it.

 Derek Sanderson is an example of a 'victorious sufferer'.
It is good to call back to those following us, call back to those also on a depression journey.

 Certainly we cannot say 'come on in, the water's fine' but we can say 'hang in there, if I can do it so can you!'

 What about you?

 Are you a 'victorious sufferer'?

There are less grand ways to share your story than writing a book.
If you are open about your depression and others around you are aware of your situation, then you may have opportunities to share your story, what happened to you and what works for you.

 Maybe you could write a blog. Blogging is fun and there are lots of helpful sites on the internet to get you started.

 I enjoy public speaking but I realized that is not for everybody.
Recently I spoke to Christian Ladies Coffee Hour about depression. I call my talk 'Victorious Suffering' and I like to think of myself as a 'victorious sufferer'.

 I will share that talk with you next time.

 So why share you story? To help someone else and make a friend or two along the way.

 WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Have you shared your story with one person at a time? More than one person? Do you think sharing your story can help others and even you?

 Don't give up! There is hope for depression.

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