This is the third year of my campaign to raise awareness and contribute
towards breaking the silence and stigmatism of Depression. Depression
impacts on not only the individuals who are suffering through it but
also their family members. Everyday people lose jobs because their
employers don't understand what they are going through or the employee
doesn't know how to navigate the symptoms and challenges created by
their depression.
The campaign in the lead up to the
2015 Paul's Dirty Enduro I reflect on recent events and how some illnesses can be easily cut
away with surgery and a knife while depression can't just be cut away
and that little things that we all take for granted can lead to a person
going backwards even after feeling better for a long time.
My loved one has struggled with the challenges of depression. Even when
she is feeling good there is still that moment in her eyes that I worry
about. In the last year we have gone through a tremendous amount of
stress and while she has shown a brave face to the world I see how and
when she is struggling and I see her fighting to hang on to that better
place.
After several medical issues my loved one made the
decision to have major surgery to deal with it. She is currently
recovering and like her depression there are good days and bad days for
her. But what I've come to truly understand is that in a few short weeks
there will only be good days. The medical problems that had her seek
out the surgery will no longer exist and will no longer negatively
impact her life. It will be all about the amazing change to her life but
making this choice.
But her depression can't just be
cut out, that anything, any type of stress could send her back to that
place where I know she doesn't want to be. Depression will always simmer
below the surface for her and while in it's own way it may go into a
remission the chances of it coming back are great. Life has a way of creating incredible highs but it also occasionally leads to incredible lows, disappointments and losses.
She and so many others continue to need our support and our love. My goal this year is to raise $1,000 for the battle against mental illness and depression. Please support me as I ride for her and so many others like her.
2015 Ride For Mental Health and My Wife
