depression, teens, and an amazing friend

I just wanted to introduce you all to my amazing friend Brandi.  Brandi - who has a contagious smile and a super-adorable tiny daughter and her loving husband, a zillion friends, a great job, and the kind of personality that always makes you feel at home, welcome, and anxious to be friends with her.  Brandi - the same, who suffered from depression as a teenager, jumped off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in a desperate effort to end her life, MIRACULOUSLY survived, and now shares her story to help others.  She has appeared on Dateline NBC, The Today Show, and Oprah Winfrey as an advocate for depression awareness and continues to speak in local high schools and other opportunities.  She is a prime example for a person who appeared to everyone have it all together but underneath was wrestling with a very real and difficult illness.  This is an issue that affects a surprisingly large number of teenagers today, as well as adults of all ages.  Her website is interesting, encouraging, and offers some great resources and continues to be updated.  Please check it out.

Comments

[Jessi]

Hi Tricia,

Thanks for posting this! It's so important for people to realize that Depression is a disease and not just unhappiness that someone can easily "get over." My mom has been on medication for Depression for years, and it makes me so angry when others just tell her to "be happy already!" It goes so much deeper than that.

Sincerely,
Jessi

[Carolin Newmeyer]

This is so inspiring, Tricia! Depression among teens is very common these days. And there are a lot of factors why they feel depressed and frustrated. But I am happy for those people who have overcome this kind of emotional problem.