Aaron's Story
Aaron shares how opening up to those who were always there for him was an important step in his recovery from depression and getting his life back on track.
"If you are ever in need, don’t be scared to look for an ear or helping hand."
About Aaron:
I’m a Harm Reduction Worker for Lookout Housing and Health Society. I run a men’s mental health organization called Hear for Brothers. Together our group is working towards ending the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
My turning point was realizing my stubbornness was keeping me from moving forward. It was rubbing off on my son, and he had started to act like it was not okay to express himself or have emotions. My anger and pain got me nowhere in life. I decided one day when I woke up alone, that my life needed a change, and I needed to live up to my purpose. Which was raising the best family I could, all while being the man they truly needed.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
Opening up to those who were always there for me
- When I stopped saying “I’m fine” and reached for the hand that was extended to me, I realized I had no reason to hide how I felt and acted.
Looking for the silver lining
- When I started to realize every negative had a positive hidden somewhere, it changed my outlook on life. I started to realize that if you look hard enough, a positive can be made of almost any situation. When it can’t, I create my own positivity.
Never ever giving up
- The day I gave up, was the day good things stopped happening. In order for your life to get where you want, or your mental health, you need to take those steps, even when they feel like the hardest thing you have ever done. When something doesn’t go my way now, I don’t back away. I regather myself and keep trying.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
Hang in there. We as men need to stick together, and the pissing contest and the competition. If we all stood together as one, the things we could accomplish would be world changing. If you ever know a brother is in need, reach out to him. If you are ever in need, don’t be scared to look for an ear or helping hand.
– Aaron Watson, Harm Reduction Worker for Lookout Housing and Health Society, admin in men’s group – Hear for Brothers, Surrey, B.C. Canada