In March 2003, I found myself completely devastated by mental illness. I was diagnosed with severe depression, lost my legal career as a result, and had a mental breakdown. All in the span of five days. Not my best week.
The road to recovery has been long, with many bumps.
My immediate family—my mother, my sister, my brother-in-law, my niece, and my nephew—were wonderful. They were and still are understanding, supportive, accepting, and caring. I would not be alive but for them.
The Worth Living Story
With the guidance of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, I found a therapist with whom I was comfortable. Two years of weekly therapy allowed me to learn about depression and how it had impacted my life. Small steps, from going for a drive around the city or trying to read the newspaper, added up to getting healthy.
I also worked hard, I wanted a second chance at a real life. Some days were dark, but there were specks of color at times. I could laugh and smile. I came to love food. Going out to eat after a healthy therapy session was a celebration.
All of this gave me hope
By the autumn of 2007, I considered myself to be healthy. I had this need to explain what had happened to me. I wrote an article about my journey, sent it to a local newspaper. No response. So, I went bigger, sending it to a major Canadian newspaper, the National Post. I received an email the following day confirming it would appear in a new series, “All About Bouncing Back.”
The article was published on February 20, 2008. The editor at the paper chose the title: “How I Returned to a Life Worth Living.”
She understood my message.
I have used those words and that theme since in my presentations and writings. I live those words.
My life is now Worth Living.
