"You are someone's entire world. Hang in there. Reach out. Please don't give up."
As seen on Facebook, and reprinted with permission from Kristen Pyrc, M.D. co-medical director of Psychiatry at Cook Children’s and co-host of the Raising Joy podcast:
"Depression is a liar and a thief. It tells you that the world/your family will be better off without you. It robs you of hope and joy. For some, it looks like the impossible task of getting out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other. For others, it is a silent battle, locked in shame, trying your level best to project normalcy.
Unfortunately, part of my job is talking to people, particularly kiddos, after someone has died by suicide. At no point has anyone ever said ‘our lives are better now that they are gone.’ The opposite is true. Those left behind are always devastated and confused. Their lives are forever changed because you are gone.
Do not believe the lie. I promise, you are someone's entire world. Hang in there. Reach out. Please don't give up."
Mental Health Conversations With Kathleen Powderly, M.D.
Episode two of Raising Joy features a particularly raw conversation with pediatrician Kathleen Powderly, M.D., of Cook Children’s Pediatrics Magnolia in Fort Worth.
In 2020, Dr. Powderly noticed the alarming number of patients showing signs of anxiety and depression and she knew she needed to act. She is credited with drawing attention to the mental health crisis unfolding and sparking the idea of the Joy Campaign at Cook Children's.
Dr. Powderly shares why she is passionate about this topic, including her own personal struggles with depression and burnout. We are so incredibly grateful for Dr. Powderly's passion, transparency and all her contributions to Cook Children's and the Joy Campaign.