I’ve always considered myself a strong and proud person. I’ve gone through many trials in my life, which I’ve always managed to overcome with flying colors!
Last September, I realized that I wasn’t invincible and that depression can affect anyone. You know the saying: “It only happens to other people…” Well, it shouldn’t exist.
It didn’t take me long to realize I’d gone down that path. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I wasn’t happy at work or at home anymore. And it was all in my head. It had nothing to do with my daughter, my husband, or my coworkers. But how could I explain that to them?
I felt so guilty for feeling like I was letting the people around me down. I felt like I wasn’t strong enough for them. The more pressure I put on myself to get back to my old self, the more I quietly sank into a state of depression. And one day, I realized I needed more time.
I took a lot of time to reflect and work on myself. I had to learn to speak up! I spoke up loud and clear about what was bothering me in every area of my life, and I stopped doing things I didn’t enjoy.
Recently, I’ve become a cheerleading coach. It’s a huge passion of mine. So I clung to that passion—I clung to my team!
You’d be surprised by the love and support a group of teenage girls can give you, even while being completely unaware of what you’re going through inside. I threw myself wholeheartedly into this adventure!
I chose to do only what I loved, and I made it through.
Today, I’m able to talk about it because I want to raise awareness about depression. I want people like me to feel comfortable talking about it. There’s no shame in it.
No one is immune to a little “breakdown.”