Let's Talk About Depression with Chris Brogan

brogancollage2Today, I am super-psyched to announce a very special issue of Strong Inside Out. Today, we have Chris Brogan here to discuss depression with us.Chris is the CEO and President of Human Business Works, and he basically helps give tools to people to so that they can "work better, do the work they want, and be brave."I first found out about Chris when he spoke at WDS 2012. I was instantly a fan when he brought superheroes into the mix and gave us all a superhero card (best. swag. ever). He talked about being brave, but I didn't know the extent of his bravery until I read "Every Time I Talk About Depression."In this post, Chris opens up about what he feels when he's hit with depression, what he expects of others when he talks about it, and why he's being brave because other people are still afraid.I was lucky enough to get to sit down with Chris a couple months ago for breakfast. We talked a lot about blogging, business, random things, and my big project I had in the works. It was kind of a passing comment....I left our morning meal, and knew I had to share more with him. So I sent him the private preview of the video.He wrote back within a day, saying how excited he was about the project and how he would help get the word out. I was so excited! I expected maybe a tweet... if I was lucky, two.I am beyond grateful for the amount of support I've gotten from Chris: Facebook updates, numerous tweets, google + posts... Because this project is what he's fighting for, too.The more voices we have speaking out against the stigma, the more powerful we become; the more okay it becomes to not be okay.Depression, or mental illness in general, is not something to be hidden away, pushed down into the deep recesses of our social facade, only to fester until it overwhelms our whole being.Mental illness is something that needs to be faced, accepted and dealt with. If we don't make it ok to talk about it, lives will be lost. People will reach the edge of their painful silence and jump.We can stop this. THIS is what The 30x30 Project is about.Without further ado, here's the interview:

Wanna skip to a specific part? Here's a table of contents:

00:00 Intro01:07 When you're depressed, should you reach out online?02:47 Rewriting your script03:40 What does Chris do when he feels low?06:30 Every Time I Talk About Depression...08:00 "The gender thing" - Dealing with "I can fix this!"08:35 The power of intimate support: Practicing your training wheels10:35 Being ok with not being ok10:49 "There are just far too many depressed people still hiding"11:32 Delving into Chris's past: the beginning of his depression and finding help12:44 Chris's journey to finding help14:39 The fear of asking for help15:49 The turning point, the facade, and the work that made the change18:53 Chris's words of advice to the struggling

Links mentioned in the video:

Chris's site

Chris's YouTube video, Depression Is An Offline Event

Chris's post, Every Time I Talk About Depression

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30x30 Updates

Where's the hope spreading?

  • Philanthropic rock star, Erin Giles, interviewed me on ErinGiles.com all about my story and The 30x30 Project! Erin founded End Sex Trafficking Day, so it was beyond an honor to be chosen by her to have the project featured. Check it out by clicking here.
  • The 30x30 Project was featured in IndieGoGo's recent newsletter. View it by clicking here!
  • I made the freakin' Epic List! What does that mean? It means that my story and the hope movement were featured as a "hero story" on this beautiful, inspirational site. Click here to get pumped up.
  • It was a pleasure to be back with Greg Berg on Radio Enso on Monday. If you missed it, don't worry; it's archived. Click here to listen to the interview!
  • Tomorrow is the last day to shop for jewelry and accessories on The Stella & Dot 30x30 Trunk Show! 20% of the price of your new baubles will go to The 30x30 Project. Click here to shop!

The referral contest is running until Friday!

Who wants some super-awesome shirts and a personalized video workout?Keep referring people to the indiegogo and it could be you! Please don't stop sharing using those buttons at the top of the indiegogo page!Here's a reminder of how to participate:

STEP 1:

Go to the IndieGoGo page by clicking here.

STEP 2: 

Log in to your IndieGoGo account at the top by clicking “Log In,” or sign up for one by clicking “Sign Up” (it’s easy: just connect it to your facebook account or enter your name, email and a password)

STEP 3:

Using the share buttons right under the video on The 30×30 Project page, share with as many people as you can via twitter, facebook or google plus.

I am only able to track referrals through these share buttons, so please be sure to use those links in particular!Email and embed works, too! Just make sure you’re signed in and copy and paste the unique URL that you see in the address bar at the top of The 30×30 Project page (it will look something like this: http://www.indiegogo.com/30x30project/x/2049241#_=_).Keep it up, guys! Your shirts await you. :)

We're in the last 3 days now. I can't do this without your help. Please spread the hope far and wide!

In hope and strength,Amy