I grew up in an alcoholic environment with both my mom & dad. My father battled depression his entire life. My parents divorced when I was going into the 7th grade. My father went to Toronto for a year and my youngest brother John & I moved from our hometown of Brick, NJ to Long Branch, NJ to live with my mother and another lady, which was very confusing to say the least. My brother Brendan was a sophomore in high school and lived back in Brick with our oldest brother Pete. I didn’t see much of them at all that year, nor my other brother, Mike & sister, Kim.

I felt very confused and frustrated. I became distant and felt like it was me against the world. I slept a lot and avoided social situations. I’ve battled depression since I can remember, and I’ve had OCD my entire life that I’m always trying to work on.

I was mentally exhausted trying to fight the depression on my own. I also realized the effect it was having on my family, and that was making it worse. My wife convinced me to get help. I’m always looking for natural ways to keep my mind calm and I’m excited to learn what has worked for others involved in the Global Mental Health community.

Therapy through the NHLPA (Player’s Association) Program. Then I participated in local follow up therapy. I never took a med in my life until five years ago and now take a very low dosage of Zoloft. Still working on natural ways to maintain a consistent routine.

I’m actually going public on this site for the first time. I feel this is a great platform that can help many people as I don’t wish depression on anyone.

I am confident people will react in a positive way and see that they are not alone. We can all help each other by telling our stories when we are ready. #SameHere, I am so thankful I finally faced it!