A Tale of Hope: Rediscovering Life After Depression

May 2025

I'm sharing this in the hope that it resonates with someone or offers a bit of reassurance. I've always found comfort in knowing I'm not the only one who struggles, even with the seemingly simple things in life. So maybe this will help someone feel less alone and remind them that there is hope, even when all seems hopeless.

My Journey with Depression

I’m 56 and have been an electrician for the last 20 years. A couple of years ago, I experienced a bout of clinical depression, which I’m thankfully recovering from now. The depression didn’t seem to stem from any rational source. It felt like I had reached a point where I was thinking, “Is this all there is?” I was resigning myself to a life void of joy, with even retirement not offering much hope.

At that low point, I had lost hope for myself. If it wasn’t for my family needing me to keep going, I may not have made it through that tough time.

Seeking Help: A Critical Step

So, I spoke to doctors, got some counseling, and started on medication after a few false starts. Finding the right medication improved my situation literally overnight. The lows still come and go, but they are not nearly as deep or paralyzing now. I finally started seeing a path through the gloom and took proactive steps to improve my life.

Rediscovering Creativity

One obvious need during my recovery was rediscovering my creativity. I had started my adult life as a sculptor. Then, I moved into a product design job to pay the bills. After another decade, I retrained as an electrician, thinking I could work anywhere. Twenty years later, I’m still a self-employed electrician, but it has never been my dream. I felt like I had just been going through the motions, simply providing for my family.

Realizing this, I made the decision to re-launch myself as an artist. I revisited my earlier work, explored Instagram, and created a website. With the encouraging responses I received, I created new pieces and found a renewed artistic voice. Since then, I've had several exhibitions, numerous sales, won a county award, and have even been featured on TV! It feels as if I’ve rediscovered my passion, pride, and sense of purpose.

While I know that becoming an artist again won't necessarily be an easy way to make money, it’s a mentally uplifting process, which is far more important. Ultimately, I’d be satisfied if I could just scrape by!

The Burden of Comparison Syndrome

I have struggled with money throughout my life. I have a wife and two teenage kids, and I always feel I’m failing them. I constantly see how much money others have and the amazing holidays they take while I’m calculating how to afford groceries and basic bills. I often have to say no to things that cost money or occasionally say yes, knowing it will lead to further debt.

I remind myself of my successes and blessings, but it’s too easy to dwell on what I haven’t accomplished.

My Blessings

• I have a lovely wife and kids that I’m super proud of.

• I have good and supportive friends.

• I’m reasonably fit and healthy.

• I live surrounded by beautiful countryside.

• I have newfound self-pride from my recent progress.

  
  

My Struggles

• Low Moods: These can hit unexpectedly, sometimes triggered by financial stress.

• Chronic Shyness: This has shaped my life from a young age.

• Interestingly, being an electrician has helped me navigate this. Talking to customers allows me to adopt an ‘expert’ persona, which feels more comfortable.

• Phone Freeze: One of my big weaknesses as a self-employed person is that I freeze when the phone rings. If it’s not someone I know, I often don’t answer. Sometimes I dread dealing with cold callers, fearing I won’t be mentally prepared for a conversation with a stranger. I tell myself that if it’s important, they'll leave a message. Yet I know that I could be missing a potential customer.

• Self-Doubt and Disappointment: A negative voice often tries to take over in my mind. I fight it off with music or audiobooks, yet I often feel disappointed in myself.

• Guilt: I struggle with guilt for feeling this way when there are others who face worse situations.

• Financial Issues: Lack of money continues to be an ongoing battle.

  
  

A New Path Forward

I’m addressing my struggles bit by bit and making progress. It’s not a straight path, but that’s okay. I can now look back and marvel at my journey. A couple of years ago, I hit a low point, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Knowing that it’s possible to instigate positive life changes has fostered self-belief in me. I am optimistic that I can keep improving and work towards a brighter future.

The Lesson Learned

Reaching depression was, in hindsight, a necessary event for me to 'wake up' and make the life changes I needed. Without that forced reset, I might have continued simply existing for my family while ignoring my dreams. My post-depression mind feels rewired and emotionally in-tune. My outlook on life has shifted dramatically. As strange as it may sound, I’m grateful for hitting that low point, as it allowed me to bounce back with a fresh outlook for the future.

Focusing on what you truly want from life can feel selfish, but I believe we all have more to give when we reach for our potential at any stage of life.

If you're struggling with these issues, I’m sending you a virtual hug. Remember, this darkness can serve as a launchpad for you to 'bounce back' toward a brighter future. ❤

Hugs for Everyone!

My best-selling sculpture now is the 'Small Hug'. It encapsulates my new, more emotionally aware outlook on life. I love the range of feelings it represents for people—whether it’s given for love, friendship, emotional support, or to simply brighten someone’s day. Having gone through depression and come out on the other side, I want to offer a hug to anyone facing difficult times. The 'Small Hug' is my way of reaching out, and it’s wonderful to think that these sculptures are spreading far and wide, now reaching three continents!

Recommended Resources

I recently discovered the wisdom of Mel Robbins through a friend. I started with her book, ‘The Let Them Theory’ on Audible and have since delved into her podcasts. These resources provide the daily boost of self-belief I need right now. I’ve explored various self-help books in the past, to little effect, but Mel’s straightforward and intuitive ideas truly resonate with me and continue to create a real difference in my outlook.