Breaking the Silence: One Entrepreneur's Battle with Depression

By now, my story is well-documented, filled with the trials and tribulations that have shaped my life over the past few years. From the struggles of a failed marriage to the collapse of my business and the devastating loss of my 14-year-old daughter, Madeline, to suicide, each event has left an indelible mark on my existence. These experiences have propelled me into a personal battle with depression, an ongoing struggle to find light in the darkest of times.

But amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope and triumph have paved the way for a new chapter in my life. It began with the reinvention of myself and the launch of my business, The Finish Line Group. Through this venture, I discovered the power of turning my own pain into a platform for raising awareness about youth mental illness. Madeline's tragic death catalyzed change, igniting a fire within me to advocate for greater understanding and support for those affected by mental health challenges.

Yet, as I navigate this winding road, I question what "normal" truly means. Can life ever return to equilibrium after enduring such profound loss? Some events leave an indelible mark, forever altering the course of our lives. And while these experiences shape who we are, they do not solely define our future. Taking no action will not change our path; it is through proactive steps that we can forge a new way forward.

In my journey, I have turned to anti-depressants to cope with the overwhelming emotions that followed Madeline's passing. Initially hesitant due to the feared side effects and my previous less-than-ideal experiences with medication, I finally sought guidance from Dr. G, my therapist. With her support, I embarked on a month-long trial, and within a week, I began to experience a newfound sense of focus and relief from the emotional lows that had consumed me. The medication did not render me emotionally void; instead, it allowed me to reclaim my life with minimal side effects. At first, I viewed it as a temporary remedy, a stepping stone toward healing.

After about eighteen months on the medication, I gradually weaned off. I strongly desired to regain autonomy over my emotional well-being, believing I could manage independently. However, a common theme emerged as I consulted individuals who had confided in me about their own struggles with anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication. Many had attempted to discontinue their medication, only to realize that the negative repercussions of not taking it outweighed any potential side effects. These medications have become a vital tool in normalizing their lives, enabling them to make valuable contributions to society and effectively manage their own well-being and their families.

This realization raises an important question: Does relying on medication make us weak or strong? In truth, it makes us wise. Recognizing that these medications can positively impact our quality of life, productivity, and functionality is a testament to our strength and self-awareness.

"Maintaining mental health is as important as the diagnosis."

Mental health should be viewed as a state to aspire to, regardless of whether it is achieved through exercise, counselling, medication, or one's approach to life. One of the core objectives of the Hopeful Horizons Fund is to provide a source of hope for kids and their families. It establishes a fabulous savings vehicle for their kids and provides a host of mental health resources for families on the prevention and remediation side of things.

In my business, The Finish Line Group, our mission extends beyond financial strategies for entrepreneurs and business owners. We recognize that mental health is an integral aspect of the entrepreneurial journey. Studies have shown that entrepreneurs face more mental health challenges than the average population, yet many suffer in silence. For years, I, too, viewed depression and vulnerability as weaknesses. However, I understand that acknowledging and openly discussing mental health is a source of strength. It provides a platform to help others, to create dialogue, and to seek support in various forms, including medication, as we navigate the storms that life presents.

In my current state, I have realized that my mental health is sustained through medication. Whether this will be permanent or temporary assistance remains uncertain. However, what matters is that it contributes to my overall well-being, and I am the only one who can make that determination.

Through sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own paths toward mental health. Let us challenge the stigma, foster understanding, and support one another in pursuing a life filled with vitality, resilience, and lasting happiness.