The first time I went to counseling, I didn\u2019t have a choice.<\/p>\n
From the outside looking in, it wouldn\u2019t have appeared I needed to go.<\/p>\n
I was 16-years-old, a high-level athlete, a good student with good friends.<\/p>\n
But after my third run-in with the law in three years, I was put on probation and court-ordered to go to counseling.<\/p>\n
In addition to being really bad at breaking the law, I had issues I didn\u2019t know how to deal with, leading to bad decisions \u2026 such as breaking the law<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t say if counseling saved my life, but I have no doubt it put me on a better path \u2014 an unexpected path.<\/p>\n
Counseling provided perspective to realize what were truly mountains and what were molehills I was making too big.<\/p>\n
I went to counseling again in college as I tried to sort out some childhood issues. And I sought counseling again shortly after my first child was born.<\/p>\n
I was struggling at balancing a workaholic schedule, a deep desire to be a good father and a feeling of depression. I also had an overwhelming fear my son was going to die, and I was split between being detached from him, while at the same time consumed with his safety. Every night I would get up multiple times and place my hand on his chest to make sure he was breathing.<\/p>\n
So why am I sharing this with you?<\/p>\n
Because as someone who advocates for mental health and the benefits of counseling, I want to share I\u2019ve had dark days. Days that I could not think straight, and days I\u2019ve struggled to get out of bed.<\/p>\n
Each time I\u2019ve gone to counseling it has helped, even when I didn\u2019t like or connect with the counselor. And that\u2019s provided bright days, better days \u2026 or just days that I know I can get through.<\/p>\n
But I also want to share this: I get why there is a stigma attached to seeking help.<\/p>\n
I have fears. Writing this, I feel my concerns intensify.<\/p>\n
Will people judge me? Will people think I\u2019m weak? That I couldn\u2019t handle it on my own?<\/p>\n
I get why discussing mental health on a personal level is hard. One reason I was drawn \u201cmental health comedian\u201d Frank King as a keynote speaker for tonight\u2019s Longevity event were several things he said on his TED Talks events.<\/p>\n
He had experienced high levels of success \u2014 from a 20-year career writing for the Tonight Show to well-run corporate stand-up routine \u2014 and even at the high times, he felt depressed.<\/p>\n
I can relate.<\/p>\n
He wondered if he felt depressed when things were going well, how would he react when things got bad?<\/p>\n
I can relate to that, too.<\/p>\n
More than that, I was drawn to how he explained how to start a conversation with each other.<\/p>\n
Start the conversation.<\/p>\n
That phrase is why I\u2019ve been so passionate about this year\u2019s Longevity Project focused on mental health. We\u2019ve penned several stories, videos and held several micro-events, with it all culminating tonight with a presentation by King at Morgridge Commons \u2014 a humorous look at our darkest moments of life, with a mission of how to start the conversation.<\/p>\n
My mental health conversation was forced on me, and I couldn\u2019t be more thankful.<\/p>\n
If you are someone who is maybe dealing with some issues, or if you have a loved one you\u2019re concerned about, you might want to come to tonight\u2019s event. But if nothing else, have a conversation. With a counselor if you need it. Or with a loved one if they need it.<\/p>\n
At minimum, it can help put them on a better path. And it may save a life.<\/p>\n
Jerry Raehal is publisher of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.<\/span><\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note: You can get tickets to tonight\u2019s event online at https:\/\/glenwood.longevityproject.net\/<\/a> or at the door. Tickets are $15 with proceeds being donated to local non-profits. Admission is free for teachers and students \u2014 please contact me at jraehal@postindependent.com<\/a> for details. Frank King will be available at 5 p.m. if you would like to meet him.<\/span><\/p>\n