Depression Treatment and Recovery: One Man’s Journey from Alcohol Addiction to Helping Others

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jordan shares his deeply personal journey through depression, alcoholism, and recovery. For years, he wore a mask of strength, hiding his pain from friends and family while secretly struggling with overwhelming sadness and anxiety. Turning to alcohol for relief only worsened his depression, leading to a downward spiral of hospitalizations, jail, and a suicide attempt.

But Jordan’s story is also one of resilience and transformation. After finally committing to sobriety, he not only found healing but also discovered purpose in helping others. Now, as a mental health professional, Jordan supports people at their lowest moments—reminding them that recovery is possible and that they are not alone.

If you or someone you love is battling depression or addiction, Jordan’s journey offers hope, strength, and a reminder that change is possible, no matter how dark things feel.

Primary Topics Covered:

• The hidden pain of growing up with depression
• Self-medication and how alcohol worsens depression
• Hitting rock bottom: hospitalization, jail, and a suicide attempt
• The turning point: choosing sobriety and taking mental health seriously
• The importance of therapy, medication, and daily commitment to wellness
• Finding strength and purpose in helping others with depression and addiction
• Why hearing "I’ve been where you are" can be life-saving

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest
 02:29 – Jordan recalls early signs of depression as a child and teen
 03:56 – Hiding depression from family, friends, and teammates
 04:33 – First experiences with alcohol and its temporary relief
 05:40 – When alcohol turned destructive: AA, jail, and hospitalization
 07:14 – Hiding in closets: depression, anxiety, and isolation
 08:19 – Hospitalization and suicide attempt lead to formal diagnosis
 09:05 – Finding sobriety and learning how to manage depression
 10:25 – Becoming a mental health professional to help others
 12:04 – Jordan’s message: recovery is possible, even when it feels impossible
 13:25 – Full-circle moment: working in the same facility where he once received care
 14:15 – The power of telling someone, “I’ve been where you are”

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