My name is Greg. I’m married and the father of two children, 12 and 10. I work in account management and sales for C. H. Robinson Company, where I’ve been employed for 23 years. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on family vacations, running, swimming, biking and golfing.

Depression has hit me twice in my lifetime. Once in 1997, and once in late 2014. My father suffered from depression and took his own life in 1983, the summer before I was a senior in high school.

When I was at the deepest, darkest point of my depression I was robbed of the desire to do anything except to wish I would feel better, and wonder how I got to this horrible place. Nothing in life brought me any joy or satisfaction.

It was a daily struggle to eat, sleep, and to see why I should stay alive and not end my own life. I couldn’t see a way to get better. I was constantly asking questions of people who were “well” to see how I could get there, too. My friends and family were noticeably disturbed by the person I had become.

Before I got treatment for my first depression, I was extremely paranoid about how people would perceive me if I told them I was struggling. I thought they would consider me weak and odd. What I came to find out after I started treatment and began talking about my depression was the complete opposite. I found nothing but support and offers to assist me in any way. It was really amazing to see the outpouring of support once I engaged with people and was honest about my battle.

The second depression I went through was deeper, more severe, and lasted longer. Again, my irrational brain was struggling to engage people because this time I was in the hospital…THREE TIMES! I thought, There’s no coming back once you go into the hospital. But I was wrong again. The support I received was incredible.

During my second bout of depression in 2014, I turned to Face It. The organization helped me in many ways, whether it was a phone call to Mark or Bill, or a Tuesday night support group, or a personal visit to the office (on many occasions). Mark and Bill truly understand depression. Both the one-on-one support and the group support benefitted me greatly as I recovered from depression. They saved my life.

Depression temporarily robs you of your ability to live life. It’s a painful disease, and the most powerful thing I’ve ever battled. Your brain is just not functioning normally and it shakes the foundation of your being.

I have been involved with Face It since its inception back in 2009, acting as the Board President. Mark, the Executive Director, knew I had suffered from depression. He wanted me involved with the running of Face It, both for my business background and personal experience with depression.

I stay healthy today by exercising, paying attention to my feelings, and communicating. I am very cognizant of how my mind is interpreting things. I watch for danger signs. I try to live in the moment and not let my “default mind” take over.

For men suffering from depression, I tell them a few things. First of all, it’s a treatable, beatable disease. Secondly, I say that they are not alone—depression is a very prevalent condition. Lastly, I tell them all the places they can get help, including the Face It Foundation. I also offer my contact information if they need to talk.

Learn about the support offerings that have helped Greg and many other men recover from depression.