Blair's Story
Blair shares his experiences with recovery from both a motor vehicle accident and brain injury, and what helps him keep depression at bay.
"Find the something, that allows you to disconnect from the noise."
About Blair:
I was in a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) in 2006 that messed my body up, I had a long rehab and live with chronic pain. In 2017, I was electrocuted, and I was left with a brain injury.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
I worked hard for two years to regain my physical strength after the MVA. After my 2017 accident, I was left with memory loss. I started a journal to record my thoughts and experiences. I shared my stories with some friends and it was suggested that I start a blog.
I also renewed an old interest in photography; together with my writing, they became therapeutic.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
Writing
- I would start my writing mostly from a place of anger or frustration and as I worked through the process I would find that I came to a point that had a more positive perspective from when I started.
Photography
- With photography I consider myself a learning amateur, mostly because with my memory issues, I tend to forget what I learn quickly. I usually do photography in nature, which allows me to disconnect and focus on the very small details around me.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
Find the “something” that allows you to disconnect from the noise. I write, but I get help with the editing from my wife, and I take pictures, but I often forget which way to turn the focus ring and end up missing shots – It does not have to be something that you excel at.
– Blair, Winnipeg, Canada 