The Gallaghers welcome interviews and speaking engagements related to the “Speaking About Depression Initiative.” They have also published a book on this subject titled “No More Secrets – A Family Speaks About Depression, Anxiety, and Attempted Suicide.”
Hi, I understand fully how it feels to be labeled and it never stops. However, today I have the self realization and empowerment to know who I am and what I am about. When I was still in the throws of being fractured into other personalities I felt the shame and fear because people with this disorder was laughed at so much. I am awfully glad I never succumbed to their ignorance but instead I kept the self love inside and shared it with those who appreciated it. This is something that made me stronger and more valuable as a compassionate person. To walk out in courage and share yourself with others is a marvelous gift in and of itself. I feel power and appreciation when I am given the privilege of speaking to others about my journey with severe depression and all that goes with it.
Opportunity is all around you. What matters is where you put your focus. Ask yourself, “where should my focus be?” Consider focusing on the thing you do right because what you focus on creates strength and momentum.
I had to learn to refuse the labels that folks were trying to put on me. Here is a few I have heard through my life…chronic depression, addiction to welbutrin, ADHD child, hyperactive, etc., A label tells what is inside and I knew I had more to offer the world than I was given credit for. People label you. People stick something on you based on their perception of you. Don’t let someone determine your horsepower by the amount of your exhaust. -John Mason