When I diagnose my depression now, I think it was partially about saying goodbye to these kids that I always expected to have but already knew that I wouldn't.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I had a lot of depression as a kid.
I was a really, really depressed kid.
When I go speak to these kids through my foundation and am able to sit down and tell them some of the things that I've been through, they can look up and relate to me, and they can understand the feelings I had that are similar to what they're going through and feeling.
I found, when I left, that there were others who felt the same way. We'd meet, they'd come and seek me out, we'd talk about the future. And I found that their depression and pessimism was every bit as acute as mine.
Even though I'm retired for some years now I still have something positive to say to kids. And they still listen.
We all had lots of stories of our sad experiences - they mourned the death of my wife with me - but we were hopeful that the children would return.
I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children.
I used to be good friends with my depression, saying oh I'm so depressed, or life is terrible.
I thought depression was the part of my character that made me worthwhile. I thought so little of myself, felt that I had such scant offerings to give to the world, that the one thing that justified my existence at all was my agony.
I have fought my own battle with depression, and it was important for me to bring a little awareness about it for others.
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