You're Not Broken, Just a Little Bent and Other Insights from Ambassador Kelley

• Name: Kelley C.
• Location: Missouri
• Describe yourself in three words: retired, grateful, happy
• Bezzy member since: 2023
• Go-to healthy snack: oranges
• Your happy place: at home with my wife of 42 years and the way I feel when helping others
• A person who inspires you the most: I had to do it for myself.
• Hobby: woodworking
• Hidden talent: helping people with depression
• Song that makes you smile: “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Favorite show: “Friends” and “NewsRadio”
• Pets: I’ve had dogs all my life, but now I just have a cat.
• Best advice you’ve received: Never give up on yourself. Show yourself you’re not broken, just a little bent is all.
• Advice you’d give to your younger self: Slow down, you have time.
• Celebrity you’d love to see play you in a movie: Bill Murray

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Q&A with Kelley

Describe a typical day in your life.

I learned that laying in bed in the mornings didn’t work at all. I get up so I can have a chance to shut down negative thoughts. I look up positive morning affirmations. This helps me have a fair shot at a better day.

What’s a typical day in your life like?

I’m retired, but I come online to stop depressing thoughts, read some positive quotes, and get my day started on a positive note.

Never tell yourself, “It is just going to suck today.” Give yourself a chance to make it a good day and show yourself what you can do.

How do you balance everyday tasks with managing your condition?

I tell myself it will be alright again. I keep it as simple as I can, breathe, and focus. I will be OK. I just need to be patient.

What’s one thing you wish you knew right after you realized you had depression?

The importance of coping skills.

What has been the most challenging part of living with depression, and what helps you get through bad days?

My biggest challenge was always anxiety. Depression just didn’t help. Anxiety about different things always held me back. I would freeze up and get hit hard with overwhelming fear.

I started working on the railroad at 18 years old and had to travel with the tie gangs (part of a railroad track maintenance crew). It was so hard to be in “nowhere USA” all by myself. I froze up and almost turned around due to my anxiety, but I decided I couldn’t do that.

During that time, I started to experience depression. It felt like I was on a trip through hell. No one should have to live through that alone. I learned to work hard, and tough love helped me.

Now, I’m just trying to stay positive and alive. I know that I am not alone and that I have a place to chat if I’m having a rough day.

What do you wish friends and family understood about your condition?

It isn’t the end of the world. I have come back stronger, better, and happier than I have ever been in a life filled with depression and anxiety.

What advice would you give to someone just starting treatment?

Nothing is going to be fixed overnight. Be patient with yourself and others. And hang in there if it gets bumpy.

What led you to become involved in advocacy work?

I saw people who needed help more than me. I saw a need and filled it.

What does being part of Bezzy mean to you?

I’ve met so many people. We’ve helped each other through some really hard times, and we’re still friends to this day.