Beyond Abuse Essential Healing

Dear Jared,

Thank you for bringing awareness to depression and suicide. You have touch the lives of thousands. Your campaign will continue to make a difference as your shirt is worn around the world. I was touched when I read your Facebook Post on March 3. As I read the story behind the campaign I was inspired by the following:

For people who deal with mental illness, depression, addiction or suicidal thoughts, every day can bring about new struggles. Every hour and every minute can seem to bring insurmountable odds of happiness. I hope that the simple message of “always keep fighting” can help to bolster somebody through a tough time. I also hope this campaign can help alleviate some of the stigma that the terms “mental illness” and “depression” sometimes evokes.

Everybody has either dealt with these issues themselves, or had a loved one who deal with them. It’s time for us to put these issues front and center and not be ashamed of the path we are walking. If you’re out there and need help, please seek it. Be proud of your valiant day-to-day struggle. There is no shame in needing support. I hope this campaign will help you be vocal about your own struggles, or vocal in your support of those who might need a helping hand. Most of all, when life seems to want to beat you down, I hope you Always Keep Fighting.

As I continued to read the comments left on each of your post I realized that there are thousand of people suffering from depression. Each of us has our own story, trials and journey. Most of the time we feel isolated and alone, but as I read through the comments I found other experiencing some of the same things as my daughter and I.

I was touched by the support I saw happening. Jared, you created a community where we are not alone. There are others fighting along side us. I supported the campaign by not only buying a shirt for myself, but for my daughters, so they two will Always Keep Fighting. My hope is to continue to share not only my story, but the stories of others here on my website. The more we share the more we support each other the stronger we become individually and collectively.

My friend Ronai was also inspired by the campaign and share the following on her blog:

Having friends and family dealing with major depression, suicide is always a major concern of mine.  Having been in enough pain to concider suicide myself I know the pain and darkness that can consume you and I also know the relief that comes when you get help.

My hope is to continue to share not only my story, but the stories of others here on my website. The more we share the more we support each other the stronger we become individually and collectively. So once again, thank you Jared and those who have shared their journey openly to help others. I am touched and inspired.

Always Keep Fighting!