Rainbow Valley, photo courtesy of Caitlin, flickr
I’ve been watching the movie Dear Evan Hansen. For those who don’t know about it, it’s based on the Grammy, Oliver and Tony-award winning Broadway musical of the same name. This “coming of age” story revolves about 17-year old Hansen who struggles with serious social anxiety and who’s therapist suggests he write letters to himself about why “today will be good.”
Hansen’s classmate Connor Murphy – an angry teenager-misfit – signs Hansen’s arm cast then later finds a letter Hansen wrote that mentions Murphy’s sister. Storming out of the school, three days later Murphy has committed suicide. Murphy’s parents find the letter Hansen wrote and mistakenly think it shows a strong friendship between the 2 boys.
There’s much more to the story and I do recommend you watch the film. It goes from painful to uplifting and shows both teenage angst, grief and how the struggle with depression can be managed, even overcome.
There’s a song in the movie (and the show) called You Will be Found. This incredibly moving song reaches the core of what not only teenagers but anyone who lives with depression fears the most – that we / they will always be alone; that no one will be there when we need someone most. In the movie, the song goes viral and inspires teenagers around the world to have hope and relief, even joy, with the realization that they’re not alone in what they’re dealing with – and that there is hope.
THAT is the main theme of my book You Aren’t Depression’s Victim. It’s a book of hope, of empowerment, of possibilities. These are the critical elements that help any and all of us lead balanced lives.
Being a teenager is incredibly hard. I almost didn’t make it past 14. But I survived and eventually, many years later, was diagnosed with depression. With support, medication and tools / vital strategies I learned, I have come to a place in life where my depression no longer runs my life, where I am creative, fulfilled and at peace. All those years ago I never would have imagined being able to live this way. But clearly it IS POSSIBLE.
So, if you live with depression and think you’re alone and no one sees you, remember that THAT may well not be the truth. You may have to look around and take a chance to reach out to others. But others will be there if you take that risk. And it’s worth it.
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