Jonny~Noel's Story
Jonny~Noel, a singer and songwriter, shares his story and what helped him learn how to control depression and recover from it.
"I can reflect and talk about the negative experiences I have lived through but I don’t feel attached or bound to them."
About Jonny~Noel:
I’m a singer, songwriter, and co-producer who was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In addition to my recording career, I’m a contributor and music reviewer for I Am Entertainment Magazine & The Miews.com. I’m also the Marketing Director for the Miews Music Awards (2MAs) while holding a seat on the panel of judges for the award show. I also act as a global brand influencer and model for the Paris based company Carlyle Brown clothing and model for Shugarboy Brand clothing.
To find out more about me please visit http://www.artistecard.com/JonnyNoel.
What was the major turning point in your recovery from depression?
At the time I was in a very toxic work environment that was continuously out of my control, while at the same time I was in a relationship that was extremely unhealthy, emotionally abusive, and one night turned physical – which was the instant end for me and the beginning of the end of the darkness I was living in. The 2008 recession hit and I was unable to just quit the horrific company I was working for, as no one knew at the time what was going to happen.
One day I had this realization that people all over the world were suddenly in very turbulent if not devastating economic situations and there was nothing I could do to change that. I then thought to myself what do I have power over? The answer, my outlook, my own well-being, my happiness. I was a happy person and I really disliked the way I had been feeling for months on end. I realized that despite the negative things that were happening to and around me, I’m the only person in the world who can decide the way I feel when I wake up and go to bed, along with the way I react to things.
The sudden knowledge that I’m the only person who was able to hold the key to my own happiness was extremely enlightening and freeing. I haven’t looked back ever since that day. I returned to the way I was before this very dark time in my life and as a result became a better man, friend, and son.
What are some things that really helped?
Focusing on the positives
- Focusing on the positives in my life and remembering how many people I have around me who truly care.
Talking to others
- Talking to those I trust and love after this realization. Talking, about what I had been keeping locked up inside, allowed me to own my part in reaching a dark place while simultaneously cemented my devotion to my own happiness.
Learning to move forward
- Learning from mistakes and experiences but not bringing them with me. I can reflect and/or talk about the negative experiences I have lived through but I don’t feel attached or bound to them. I focus on the way I handle/react to things, knowing that difficult stresses of life are also positive learning experiences. It’s how you pick yourself up from mistakes, let downs, and tragedies that is really important.
Friends
- Surrounding yourself with people who are truly friends. Through thick and thin, good and bad. I can’t express enough how important it is to really know who your actual friends are.
What advice would you give to other guys fighting depression?
Talking. I think communicating to someone about what is going on with you is vital. Talk to friends or family members and if you feel that no one can understand, then go and speak to someone professionally. I’d even say start with a professional. There is not the potential of shame or judgement that some may feel comes with talking to friends and family.
There is nothing wrong with getting professional help and in no way does it make you weak or less of a man because you needed to seek guidance to prevent you from drowning in darkness. I also believe facing and taking responsibility for your part in why you feel the way you do is very important. I’m not saying it is anyone’s fault but in my opinion, understanding and accepting that you have willingly played a part in why you have reached this dark place in your life is a very important step.
– Jonny~Noel is a singer and songwriter based out of Vancouver, BC, Canada.
