A Session About Depression

(post from former website 12.15.2013)

In October, I went to an amazing conference hosted by Patti Digh.  My brain and heart are still soaking in all the information, creativity and spirit from those 4 days in Atlanta.

Tonight is the deadline to submit to present at next year’s conference in San Francisco. After sitting quietly, and wondering what ‘strong offer’ I could give to others, the title “The Courage to Remain” came to me.

Below is my proposal...and if it is not accepted, I will still share my strong offer (after the conference, here, on my website... and naturally with others personally).  

Proposed Session Title: The Courage to Remain: Choosing Life and Love

Proposed Session Description:
Did you know that one in ten Americans suffer from depression?  Did you know that pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined?  In an eight-year time span, I found a growth on my spine, had an operation to remove it and recovered; I was then told that the growth had regrown and that the neurosurgeons did not know how to heal me. I fell into a deep depression with countless thoughts of suicide. 

Going to the Design Your Life Camp, in 2013, was a reward I gave to myself for not killing myself.  I have survived, despite this growth on my spine, and am beginning to thrive.  

In this session, through my Art Work and Words, I will share the story about my struggle with chronic pain and depression.  I will also share how I am here today.  In dealing with the uncertainty of life and chronic pain, what am I doing to help me live a productive and happy life?  How have I transcended thoughts of death to wanting to live?

Everyone has pain.  Everyone has sadness.  In this session, I wish to give hope to those who are struggling or know someone who is struggling.  I am a Teacher, by trade, but instead of sharing Art, I will share my heART. I will reveal my story and the steps I took to reclaim my life; I desire to share my lesson of “The Courage to Remain: Choosing Life and Love.”

What are the top three things an attendee will learn from your session:
1. Community Services:  Let your guard down to your tribe
2. Creating Space:  Cut Back, not Out
3. Courage to Live a New Way

Former Comments:

from Best: People with depression can be really tough to deal with because you have to be extra careful about the things that you are about to say. Knowing that they have the support from, people can really help them feel like they are worthy enough for the life they are living. For me, the most important thing to remember when you have a friend who is experiencing depression is to always be there to listen. Be sensitive enough to stay and empathize with their feelings.

from Resume: Sorry to hear that you have been in a really though situation. Always remember that there are people who are willing to help you in times of troubles. Sometimes opening up is one way to ease the pain you are feeling. I am glad that you overcome you depression. And really proud that you are giving advises to people who suffers the same experience on how to overcome it. I am praying for the people who are experiencing depression. I am hoping that they will feel better.

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