In the five days since Robin Williams death, Ive seen more posts and links to articles about depression than I have in the five years Ive been on Facebook. Its an important dialogue that is long overdue. Yesterday I read an article about the internal chemistry related to the condition, and I suddenly remembered that the first song on my latest album was written from the depths of depression. In January of 2007, life was throwing me personal and professional curve balls at every turn. Piles of snow and bleak winter skies seemed to encourage my despair. Some days I would stay in bed until mid-afternoon, blankets over my head as I prayed as hard as I could. Nothing consoled me. It wasnt as bad as the story I posted about when I was 19, but it was a close runner-up. One day I sat down at the piano and this absolutely spilled out of me in about 20 minutes. Every line - every word - is absolutely true. Writing this song reminded me of my purpose and worth, and the final line is one of optimism. It was a pivotal moment, and now I realize maybe - just maybe - the song can comfort someone who needs it. If youre feeling lost, empty, depressed...TALK ABOUT IT, to anyone who will listen. It really will be okay, and you are loved and needed here on this Earth...even when you cant find the evidence. If you only ever trust one thing I say, please let this be it.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 10:20:39 +0000