9 - Overcoming Depression, Despair, and Defeat

“You don’t have to be okay all the time—but don’t give up.” - Joe Wanner

When It All Feels Like Too Much

I’ve had more than one moment in life where everything felt like too much. The pressure, the rejection, the pain—it piled up. And there were times where I really thought about ending it. I didn’t see a way forward. The weight of it all was just that heavy.

The first time I felt that low was at 17. I had just gotten cut from basketball, was struggling at home, and felt completely alone. I walked out along the road thinking, “Would anyone even notice if I was gone?” Then, out of nowhere, I got a text from a friend saying she loved me and so many others did too. That message pulled me back. Literally saved my life.

It Doesn’t Just Go Away

It happened again in college. Family losses, breakups, financial stress—it all hit hard. I kept performing, kept showing up, but inside I was numb. I didn’t even process it until years later when I finally sat down with a therapist. What kept me going? One or two people who reminded me I wasn’t alone.

Keep Showing Up

I’m not a therapist. I can’t give clinical advice. But I’ve been through it. And I’m still here. If you’re struggling, don’t stay silent. Talk to someone. Take the next small step. Just getting through today is enough. And sometimes, that’s all you need to do.

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Chapters
07:36 Navigating Life's Challenges and Relationships
12:25 Finding Hope in Isolation and Struggles
17:02 Transforming Pain into Purpose

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