The pandemic destroyed me, like it did many others. I was helpless, depressed and looking for a mental facility. Join us next week for Part 2 with Mama Felician.
As I read these comments, I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the community here and all that you share with me and my family. Thank you so much. It's important that we share our experiences with other people. Your story will heal you, and your story will heal somebody else. And when you tell your story you free yourself. And what a blessing to feel a connection to others. Will continue to read these beautiful comments throughout this evening. ♥️
I feel this in my soul on another level. In march of 2020, in San Francisco, I was pregnant and my mother who lived with me and my family was in chemotherapy. I have never experienced that level of anxiety and stress in my life. It physically and mentally broke me down. Taking my spanish speaking mother to the ER bc she had cancer related issues and having to part with her in the parking lot of the hospital, while the staff who were fully dressed in pandemic gear wheeled her away. Not being able to be by her side, not knowing if she would die alone in a hospital that wouldn’t allow me in with her. It was such a terrible and traumatic time for so many of us for so many reasons. Then giving birth not knowing if my husband could be by my side…. It just never ended. I found myself staying busy to survive it all, thats how i coped, but i was also working from home, in grad school, and I had 2 children already so staying busy wasnt hard, and sometimes not even a choice. Then you add the financial stresses associated with job loss bc of covid… and 2020 was easily the most difficult year of my life! I think many of us will be unpacking the trauma of that time for years to come. But I am grateful we are here, alive, breathing, and most of all for the perspective it provided. Life is short, be with those you love in the places that bring you peace. My lifes goal is to get my children to Hawaii, and build a life for them there. - wishing you and your the best and know that you aren’t alone in what you experienced!
Claude I cried this entire video and appreciate how raw you were with your experience. I’ve always loved your family and how you love each other, but I just kept thinking of how blessed you were to have them by your side. You have brought so much awareness to the topic of depression and anxiety. Glad to see you are doing better.❤️
That last part. It’s so true. Everyone thinks that not wanting to be here makes you weak and selfish. But if people were to look deeper they would see the pain and why someone doesn’t want to be here on this earth. 😩
This was my story! This happened to me. I too am a nurse, worked through the pandemic of 2020, thought I was strong in the Lord, focused in my job, doing my best as a mama...then one day I came home from work and all hell broke loose. Couldn't understand it, still healing from the trauma, did not know I was experiencing anxiety and panic attacks disorder. Several trips to the hospital after every panic attack episode and being told ' get in through your head there's nothing wrong with your heart...' I too thought once the physical symptons were gone that id be ok, but when my lab results came back and I was physically signed off as well, I couldn't understand why I still felt wrong. Feeling stuck and almost detached from my own mind, such a scary place. Religion made me feel as though I was possessed, I would cry out to the Lord, I felt so alone. I literally could only get it together just about enough to feed the kids and then back to that place of panic and despair. My mother would come round and force me out of the house and I'm so thankful she did despite feeling so disconnected with everything but at one point I too looked at my mother and said, I think I need to check myself in and she screamed in Jesus name no!!! I felt like I was fighting everyone day to survive, non stop panic attacks so exhausting and so scary. I would read the word and I started to see that this experience wasn't going to last but I could believe it as it felt so pemennant. A loving family member explained what anxiety was and gave me techniques to get out of the panic phase but it took 6 months to really see some results. I too was extremely ignorant of mental health, thought people were exaggerating. I didn't realise just how dark it can get and be. I'm telling you if it wasn't for the Lord and that loving family member I don't know where I would be. I had some therapy and can now identify triggers. The Lord used anxiety to deliver me from religion and I came to the saving grace of God's love in Christ Jesus. Condemnation can play alot on your mind especially if you where brought up in church, I needed to know the love of God. Then when my own relative took their life the following year, my heart broke at just what they must've been going through and not knowing that there was a way out, they just didnt know. People still don't get it and to be fair I don't blame them because I didn't before it happened to me. But there's no shame and the more people speak up the more knowledge and understanding can be provided. Now I appreciate how precious it is to have a sound mind. A scripture that helped me was in psalms 139:12 (NLT), '...but even in darkness I cannot hide from you...' that scripture was so important as I would often say to God, no one knows where I am but you do. It breaks my heart to think about it but I know there's a reason for everything and although I'm so sorry you had to go through it, I'm greatful that there is some one else that gets it too. May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family and may this just be the beginning all the lives you'll touch through your openess. Thank you for sharing x
This was such a raw and powerful episode that was greatly needed. I cried throughout most of it and commiserated so much with your Mom Nilda as a parent of adult children. Everything you shared was so spot on especially the thoughts on mental illness from both a Christian and Hispanic prospective. Your words that a person who commits suicide is not so much selfish as just in such deep pain and despair truly resonated in my soul. I can’t wait for the following episode. Again, thank you for sharing.
I'm delivered from axienty & Depression 🥺 like u said a Spirit.. I can testify that yes it is.. But everyone see it differently i respect that. ❤️ Will pray for those who are dealing with it. Thank u for sharing.
Wow thanks for sharing. You are so blessed with your supportive family. I shared my anxiety and depression with my mom but she's very religious and told me to stick to the scriptures and not to take medicine. For my kids I had to get the help I needed and go against the religious take on mental health. 🙏
I had health anxiety and it affected me physically with burning sensations I remember one night the muscle in my neck and chest got so tight I thought I was going to die, I did three days of fasting and prayer the anxiety was under control burning sensation was gone still have a little issue dealing with but I tell myself each day that I will be fine. Fear is the root of anxiety so I had to cast it out Glory to God🙏🏾🙏🏾
Crying and relating. I’ve went through such a dark time and oh it was raw and painful. It reminds me of what the Bible calls a dark night of the soul. Thanking God for new seasons, family, and light at the end of the tunnel!
So brave Claude to open yourself up to discuss this! We ALL (whether some like to admit or not) have had our moment of depression or “the dark night of the soul”. Whether it be caused by the pandemic, postpartum, a death in the family, etc. I applaud you for speaking because to me it seems to not only be informative, but I’m sure will be a testimony once you release part 2 of this video. You have made it to the other side! You are still here! The enemy tried to steal your peace, kill your joy and destroy your spirit, BUT GOD!!! To God be the Glory! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
I used to think that way about suicide too and I realised how wrong that was when my friend lost her eldest son in a car accident and then her younger son to suicide a year later. I learned from her that it is an illness that requires the same treatment, care & support as any other illness. Her younger son blamed himself for his older brothers death and there wasn't anything anyone could say to change his mind. He was in so much pain that he believed his family and the world would be better off without him. She travels round now sharing her story, educating and supporting families that need help. Mental illness is everywhere, there is no one person that has everything all together all of the time & thanks to Covid, it's probably brought it to light in a very real way for a lot of people. Thank you for sharing Claude - you're not alone!
This was so powerful. I felt the pain. Depression has so many stigmas tied to it and especially those of us who believe in God may feel that it’s a lack of faith but the Bible talks of people who were in absolute despair, people who no longer wanted to live. Eljiah, Jeremiah, Hannah etc. Jehovah God understands what we feel, he is the God of consolation and he provided us with doctors and specialist to help us when we can’t help ourselves. Thank you for sharing something so painful, thank you for being vulnerable. I hope your story, your voice helps, even if it’s just one person going through it right now❤️
As a special needs mom I feel like I'm not allow to breakdown because I am so depended on. I absolutely lost it when you said that Jet had to grow up because she just understood in her own way. I thought of my youngest and how quickly he has had to grow up to help mom. He has seen me fall apart in tears and he runs to my rescue. Both my husband and I suffer in silence venting only to each other. I know for a fact that I need help or to talk to someone. This video has really helped me realize that. Thank you for sharing. Praying for your heart ♥
Wow, thank you for sharing. And whew therapy has been so helpful. I go often (I used to feel embarrassed to say this but now I just don’t care because it should be normalized but I go two times a week) … it helps me sooo much. I encourage everyone who feels overwhelmed to do it if it’s possible. Sending you a big virtual hug ♥️ and thank you for tuning in.
This is so comforting to the soul. I totally get it. I too am Christian and suffer with depression and anxiety. Thank you for this. May God bless you and your family always, May He cover you in His loving arms and bring joy and peace to your heart. 💗
This channel is going to be God sent for so many….Personally having suffered from bi polar for so many years… I understand how small and insignificant feels like. ❤ please cover depression in more videos… It’s a topic that needs to be openly discussed!
Man. I needed this. I am in TEARS. I am coming out of the worse two years of my life.. and this was so refreshing and sad at the same time to watch. Claude thanks for sharing
This is so needed. So many people struggle with this and are afraid to speak up. Thank you for being so transparent and bold to speak up. I love you so much.
God bless you. You’re a vessel God has used to share this story and you are helping so many who maybe don’t have the strong family ties that have helped you. You’re making a difference for them. This illness was not in vain, and God will continue to will bless you for helping others
Thank you for sharing this 😢, I've been feeling the need to seek some mental healthcare for some time. My resources at the moment are limited. I wasn't physically sick like you. After a month of lock down in NYC having to close the doors to our practice to work from home, towards the end of April I started to become depressed too. Less pts were calling, mine were predominantly elderly pts. Some called simply bc they were lonely. Missed their (grand) kids. It broke my heart. It became harder being their source of comfort. I was experiencing seasonal depression, family dysfunction, and compounding anxiety and isolation. At one point I stopped getting out of bed too. Kept my laptop, a dress, and a comb in bed. Beyond relieving myself, I couldn't get out of bed to eat or bathe. I turned off the news, and wore headphones with calming music to block out the endless sirens outside. I was a puddled mess the day Trump sent those fighter jets down the Hudson. It triggered trauma from 9/11. Since I stopped watching the news, I didn't know about it. I was an honest mess and living alone. Returning to the office in May was bitter. There were letters from the spouses of some of my pts notifying us their loved one passed. I don't think I felt decent until the summer started in June. I stopped working in healthcare Dec 2020. Switched to petcare. Only volunteering at a hospital administratively once a week since. I do realize how much I miss it. Slowly starting to work my way back in FT and find my footting and a new niche. It still feels exhausting though. Gladly doing better than I was, but still on a path to recovery. This inspires me to continue building a foundation as best I can. 🙌
Your strength and love around you is what made you who you are today. Not everyone will have the right answers, not everyone will understand the grief and anxiety you are feeling. But JUST KNOW that you are in control of you and GOD will lead you out of this, I don’t know when I don’t know how but you will get through the dark times. Thank you for sharing your most vulnerable season in your life. I grew up in a traditional cultural where we would say the exact same thing about being depressed or dealing with mental issues, it was always brushed off as ‘pray’ or ‘you will be ok’. You are so STRONG. You are, LOVED. Thank you Claude & Co ❤️ Blessing x
This episode broke me. Growing up in a Pentecostal home I know exactly what it feels like to feel like something is wrong with you and almost afraid of saying something because you might be judged. I’m so happy you were strong enough to be so transparent and shared such a tough moment in your life. It’s amazing to see that Gerd could see something was clearly wrong and reached out to your mom and papa Joe. Your support system is impeccable. Thank you for sharing! You guys are amazing ❤️
Claude thank you. I’m crying while I’m typing this but thank you. I go in and out of my pain some days are better than others but your channel makes me so happy thank you ❤️
This is the most beautiful video I have ever watched because I went through this or still Going through it but I am coming around the corner finally. I am a single mother and my daughter too at 12 went through the same. She had to help me. She watched me have to call her father to take me to the er several times, crying, not being able to walk to outside because it was too loud. I was over stimulated. So much fear of the unknown. I had no family and a few friends that just didn’t understand. I turned to sermons on RUclips. Praying a lot. It’s been a very long two years. And medicine is still a fear of mine. These videos have helped me see things differently. I thank you for this. Because I really thought I was alone in this. Nobody seems to get it.
This is probably the legit 4th time I’ve watched this episode. Thank you. You were able to put in words what so many couldn’t. The authenticity and rawness in your sharing is such a light. Our world so desperately needs more of this. So grateful❤️
For someone that grew up in church and dealt in silence with mental struggles. This is something that I appreciate seeing that it’s ok. That it wasn’t taboo after, just all misconceptions. Claude thank you so much for being very candid and honest.
I am sitting here watching this in tears . I felt this exact same way. I would cry every night when my husband and kids went to bed because I didn’t want to show them I was scared . I too would and still do watch the news everyday at 4 am , 12 moon 5 pm and 9 pm . As more and more need came in the more I felt like when is this ever going to be over . Are we ever going to get our normal back? Then I caught Covid right when things were letting up and went back into this depress i call it a “funk” . I’m afraid of change and this scared the sh*t out of me . 🙏🏻🙏🏻
As the daughter of a mom who had a breakdown, I thank you for this and Jet and Beau are blessed to have a mom who is honest about her struggles-- your daughters will be better for it. This video made me feel so seen in my own anxiety and depression AND past judgements about suicidal ideation. Thank you Claude.
Wow! I’m feeling so sad for u Claude and what U went thru. The part that really stands out for me is when ur Mother said u asked her if there were any Facilities in the area that u could go to and u injected “ I begged u “ I wish u told us more about that. To hear this story and look back at A’s videos that u were in during the Pandemic makes me wonder if u were going thru this then. I think that’s when everyone really fell in love w u. I remember u guys singing “ Bridge over troubled water “ U were really feeling that song and u sang it w such emotion. Thank God for ur Family and Thank God for u Claude. This world desperately needs ppl like u in it Sis. God Bless 😘❤️🙏🏽
Props to YOU Claudette, for being so open about your ignorance. I can bet you have greatly improved the life of even one viewer who needed this right now. ❤
Mental Illness is SO REAL… When people see others acting out and find it funny it’s not… It is real… Thank for for sharing your story… Showing it’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for help..
This really touch my soul. Currently dealing with anxiety and depression and it’s definitely not talked about enough in the African American community. I’m learning to leap out on faith and let God be my guide! Thank you for sharing! ❤❤❤
Allow Him to be your everything and lean on the Holy Spirit He is here, He is your comfort and your peace. Hold on for your turn around season. It WILL come.
I know these feelings all too well. I’d suffered from depression and anxiety during childhood and my teenage years, but was officially diagnosed last summer. The pandemic definitely heightened those feelings and emotions, coupled with police brutality and the 2020 election cycle. Someone in my family or someone close to me died from March until December. I tried navigating that while trying to complete a masters program. Thankfully I completed my program, but the emotional damage and trauma as a result carried over into 2021, which proved to be even more challenging. Navigating mental health and illness is tough, especially in Black and Brown communities, and then factoring in religion…whew! This episode truly touched me; thank you (and Gerd Mama Nilda and Papa Joe) for being so honest and candid about this journey. I’m praying for continued healing and I can’t wait for the next episode! 🙏🏾
If you don’t mind me asking what wa your first course of action? Asking for myself. My anxiety has now become even more physical and I’m not sure where to start PCP, Therapy idk
Thank you so much for sharing… that is not easy (all those things you had to navigate) 😢 May God bless you and keep you. Thank you for those encouraging words ♥️
@@camarojai6832 for me … it was therapy. I was blessed with a wonderful therapist. And I really followed her advice. (I have been going weekly … 2x a week since 2020) Hope that helps… Also next weeks episode really touched on my healing journey.
@@camarojai6832 I don’t mind. I ended up on anxiety meds in 2019 but it wasn’t until last summer that I finally found a therapist (after looking for several years). Before meds I was big on meditation, it can definitely help with mindfulness in terms of your body. I also journal my feelings and keep a daily gratitude journal. There are several ways to do therapy; you’ve got online and virtual or in person. Personally, for me, I’ve found that it’s harder to find an in person therapist, mostly because of what I was looking for. I knew that I wanted a female therapist, specifically a black or brown woman, given the similarity shared experiences as women and as minorities. I’m hoping that you find the help you’re looking for. I wish you peace blessings and lots of love 🙏🏾
This is huge. I hope you know how many people now feel like they are not crazy, they are not exaggerating, not alone. As a mom, woman, I would watch Adriennes channel and I remember feeling watching you something was wrong. I believe it was the video 3 years ago where you guys had a slumber party with your girls. Watching you was hard, you weren’t making eye contact as you do now. It was almost like you were there, but we’re NOT there if you get what I’m saying. I am so glad you brought awareness to such a common issue that NO ONE wants to talk about but sadly admit to because of our own childhood upbringing❤️
💕💕🙏🏼🙏🏼 I have gone through Anxiety in the past, and it was definitely a very challenging time! I Thank God, with a therapist teaching me coping mechanisms and a lot of Prayer, I was able to Overcome !! Thank You for your transparency 💕💕🙏🏼🙏🏼God Bless!!
Claude, it may sound crazy but we do love you. Thank you SO MUCH for being so transparent. It helps incredibly. A thousand times, THANK YOU! And I hope you are feeling better. Much love to you and the fam 💕
Dang you nailed it on the head with that last one! I had the same judgment until I suffered it myself and realized this shit is hard to come out of, especially by yourself! I loved when you guys said having a mental illness has nothing to do with how mentally strong you are!!! That made me cry so hard bc I judged myself for that. I kept putting myself in this depressive rabbit hole.
Good Evening, you are so great for admitting you had a hard time. You are right mental illness is a stigma. My chest has also experienced tightness. Thankyou for letting me know I am not alone! Best, Ms. Joanna L. Kearns Plantation, Florida
I felt this so much. I also grew up in a Pentecostal household and the stigma of mental health issues. Hearing your story sounds just like mine. There is alot in the Christian community where people believe if you deal with mental health that oh, you must not have enough faith or your not praying enough or you're a weak Christian. Just like you praise God I also have a family who was there for me and helped me through. It took prayer AND therapy and there is no shame in that. Praise God that he is allowing you to use this as a testimony to help other people. And it also it spires me to want to share my story. God Bless!
This topic truly hits home to me because my father has been dealing with anxiety and depression and like it was said that you feel hopeless because that exactly how I feel. I have tried everything and anything to help my father but nothing doesn't work. It's been years and he does seek professional help, which I also get involved to see if that will help him in seeing me being their for him. Letting him know that he is not alone. I've been fighting to get my father the help that he needs because I see him a man who was full of joy, happiness, laughter, social to now being in bed and doesn't get up. As if he gave up on himself. It's hurts to see my father this way. But as a woman who is raised in church, yes people would say oh it's a spirit but like your husband said they just need professional help. Lord, knows how much I still cry because of how my father is in his state of mental health. But I will not GIVE UP on my father!!! #theirisstillhope# This episode was beautiful but VERY IMPORTANT!!! 🙏
I needed this...more than you will ever know. I have been dealing with my own struggles and hearing you put words to it has already helped me. There is nothing wrong with admitting that something is wrong and that you dont just need rest or a walk...you need help. Thank you for your vulnerability.
Thanks so much for this.....am a single mom of one and I have been struggling with anxiety and depression right now, but the worst for me is I can't share is with anyone. I live and work with my family but all they do is judge and basically me a bad mother, a looser,a failure and that I have nothing going for me. It just makes everything worse. I hope I get better soon.
Claude, I'm so proud of you for sharing! This episode really touched my heart. Thank you for being open about your mental health. All my love and warmth to you, Gerd, Jet, and Beau.
This is such a powerful and necessary episode. As a Christian, I was raised with some very judgmental beliefs. These beliefs stigmatized mental illness so much to the point when I started feeling low or down or even depressed, I questioned my own salvation. Now, at 41 years old, I’m so grateful to have evolved and enlightened my thinking to understand the true power and grace of God. I know that God is the God of love, grace and mercy. We all fall short of His glory because we are born in this human flesh and body. This is why He sent his son Jesus to die for us, so that we can have life more abundantly. I now understand mental illness more, to the point I have empathy and compassion- not judgement. Christians, let’s do our part to love one another and stop with the judging. The greatest commandment is love. Thank you for sharing this video Claude and thank you for your transparency! You’re helping and blessing a lot of people. 🙏🏽💕
Thank you for using your platform and sharing your story in enlighten others and letting those going through their own things, that they are not alone. I too had a couple of months of depression and major mood swings during the pandemic. My husband got extremely worried, through his own experiences, he knew I needed help. He urged me to check in with my Dr. I did, thankfully. I think we got to bottom of it. Apparently, with age and female body changes, especially after bearing kids, I have PMDD. Which can cause a hormonal imbalance. Like you, I have thing internal stigma about using medications. If others need it, I'm all for it and support it. But for me, it's difficult to get out of that mentality. The Latin community is something else, we are strong hard headed people. We don't need meds for that only weak people do... So I'm still trying deal with it on my own, but acknowledge the issue... Thank you again and i can't wait for part 2. Much love to you and your family
I can't believe I am hearing a story like mine. I went through the same thing. The sadness, the fear, the hopelessness..... mental issue is a real thing. And we can all go through at any age or any time.
Wowww, powerful testimony. I can't say exactly why but I've always liked Claudette. I now admire and respect you so much. Thanks for pouring your heart out and sharing this painful memory. So happy you're healed and happy. You are blessed to have an amazing support system. GOD IS GREAT!!
I cried watching this. I pray and hope that this video will help people struggling with mental health to get help. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Wow, I’ve never heard anyone explain it like you have. I went through the same exact thing 6 years ago where for an entire year I had to quit work because I couldn’t get out of bed. I had anxiety and panic attacks what seemed like every hour in a day. I couldn’t see the light from the hole I had dug myself in... but for anyone out there who’s struggling and you don’t see the light let me tell you there is a light! I’ve been 4 years free of panic and anxiety. Seek help and don’t stop fighting and don’t expect your old life back you’ll get a new one. ❤️
Thank you, Claude. I know this wasn't easy but your journey probably helped someone out there. I know for me, no one could help me. I need to find help from a professional. I needed therapy.
To be fully transparent, sometimes I pass by your videos & think “i’ll watch that later”. And then when I finally watch it, there’s always some sort of alignment where I watch it & it’s what I needed to see & hear in that moment. Thank you (& your family) for being so raw & open & allowing us to share your life moments. Thank you for being examples of what growth & openness looks like. Sending prayers & love to you & your family. I hope you’re continuing to take care of yourself 🤍
This really touched me. I love the way your family and husband love you. I love this channel. So pure, calming, and full of love and light. Please keep the content coming. We love to see it. ❣️
Claudette thank you for this... I truly understand the anxiety and sinking into the rabbit hole. Because I ended up having a COVID while pregnant with my 3rd and youngest child. Meanwhile still having to be mom to a 1 year old and 5 year old.
I definitely was battling sadness, feeling depressed, lonely, anger, shame and suicidal thoughts just this past week. 😞😞😞 I used to think it was selfish too but now that I've experienced those feelings, I see why people do it. It really is because you're in so much pain. 😢 Thanks for sharing your story with us Claudette. I love you and so glad you're still here. You give me hope! ❤️❤️🩹
I promise you… there is hope. It’s just finding those things that work for you (and that may look different for everyone) but please never give up. I promise you things can be different. ♥️🙏🏼 sending you so much love.
I’m so happy that you decided to share this with all of us!! It makes me feel like I wasn’t the only one feeling like I was lost and scared. I was having anxiety attacks and I don’t know what was causing it. Just feeling like I couldn’t breath and my heart would race and felt even worse. I remember my kids being at school and my husband being at work. I was alone with my baby girl. I had a attack and just thought I can’t have one now with my daughter and alone. She’s not going to understand and how will she be in the house all alone without her mom. Who I thought I was going to die. I felt like it it pass out. It brings me into tears just thinking of that. That feeling was just awful. So thank you for opening up. I have felt like I’m looking at me sometimes when you talk about stuff like this. I love you and don’t even know you. Your a beautiful soul. ♥️
This hit home because I too went through this and struggle daily. You are blessed to have a support system. I definitely didn’t. I ended up quitting my job as I am a single mom of three and it took me 8 months to get back on track. I definitely had mom guilt. Thank you for sharing your story and shining light on mental health.
When you are struggling in a dark space you think it’s only you that you are going crazy but once I pray to my lord Jesus i notice something clicks I always forget how good I feel after a prayer and that makes me stronger to get up and out of that dark space but mental illness is real
I hope that you will see this. I'm a health care provider and I've taken care of many people post covid. Covid does affect the nervous system in some cases causing neurological effects. I.e. depression and anxiety. Those effects can be symptoms of covid in some people just like coughing. My heart is with you!
Ay mamita...Claude you are an empath...of course this was going to hit you harder than anyone else in your family... Mamita you are a retired nurse... The major front line workers were nurses...round the clock having to face this crisis head on with so much uncertainty... I believe this was also a hidden challenge you were dealing with....fear for yourself and your family if you were not retired and still had to work fear for your colleagues...Gracias a Dios q te ha bendecido con una hermosa familia llena de amor y fe.... Thank you so much for this video....YOU HAVE JUST HELPED THOUSAND THIS VERY MOMENT 💚
Thank you so much for being so transparent in your walk with depression, for it is such an intense and personal journey..an independent walk and very often a lonely road. But thank God for the comforting support of family who continue to love us through it ❤️
I cannot express how deeply moved I am with your transparency, thank you thank you for sharing this with us. I am a first generation Latina Psychology student working on my bachelors in clinical psychology. I hope to earn a masters and doctorate in Marriage and Family therapy and can not tell you how difficult it is to share mental health awareness to my Latino Family. Latinos already live in a stigmatised lack of understanding of mental health needs, what is more challenging for me is to share knowledge to my Christian family. I am a Christian myself and even among my Christian peers there is a great need for psychological understanding. Towards the end of this video you shared how much you regret previously believing that those who ended their lives were selfish. It was not until I too experienced the combination of anxiety and depression that I also changed my perspective of the very thing you felt about suicide. My heart aches for what you experienced, but I am so grateful that you were brave in sharing it with us, thank you again. It also helps to hear the perspective of your husband and parents.
I have never commented on anyone’s youtube channel. BUT This is by far my fave episode 😭 I have worked in mental health for over 12 years and am a certified therapist. I am currently working in Suicide postvention nationwide and it breaks me to see the numbers increase 😭 We need more people like you. Your story resonates with so many people - from all walks of life. Im from small little New Zealand and the impact you have made is enormous. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I cannot wait for the next part x
Oh gosh. Your videos make me cry especially the lovely footage of Jet helping.🌺🥳 Your mum's beauty, elegance and that dress and papa Joe's eloquence. So touching. Kudos to Gerd.
this conversations are so important...i wish this video was translated into spanish to show it to my parents. They are so ignorant when it comes to mental health. I remember when i tried to mention a few times...like you Claude, about a facility or therapist to my parents and they ignored me...thank god im fine now, but at that moment it was what I needed the most, to feel that support from them...and when they did nothing i was so sad and angry. I just want you to know, to anybody that is reading this...when someone tells you they don't feel good...believe them and try to help in some way. Mental health is real!
You being able to sit and talk with your family about this difficult time and having these conversations in itself is healing. I used to be very ignorant as well, believing you can just get out and not be depressed. Then I got hit with postpartum depression. NOTHING, nothing can pull you out of that darkness, the tears, the sadness. It's not something I could just snap away by going outside or going shopping. I am so proud of you all sharing these vunerable moments.
This happened to me in 2018 , it was SO strange how & when it did. It hit me hard & felt out of nowhere. I lost sooo much weight too , no sleep & in such a negative mood. My son & husband, tried & tried to get me out of it, nothing was going through me. I was miserable & making then feel the same. I like you , 'healed' when we were 'sent home' in April 2020. We enjoyed that time to reconnect & talk about MENTAL HEALTH. We had been non stop busy/working & were starting to neglect ourselves/each other. Take Care!
I’m 22 and I relate so heavily to your story. In a blink of an eye my whole world went upside down. I was an Ivy League student and my immigrant parents were living the ‘American dream’ and then after my freshman year I fell into a deep depressive state and I ended up taking a medical leave of absence. At first we thought it was an evil spirit. But finally the Lord led us to a psychiatrist and psychologist that helped me. Mental illness is a real issue and there needs to be a combination of prayer and medical treatment to heal. I’ll pray for you Titi Claude❤️. Thank you so much for being one source of my peace. Happy ending: I graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Columbia University 5 years later. You learn so much during those dark times and it’s beautiful that we both are fighters!
Thank you for being so transparent and giving the details on the onset so people can relate and know that they we’re not alone. Your baby girl Jet stepping in to help you is a beautiful testimony of how you raised her and she did what she saw you do.
Oh Claudette. I love you so much and thank you for sharing this story. I was crying watching this whole episode. I’ve experienced this first hand with my brother and I use to think he was selfish for trying to take his life. He is still here and getting help. I want you to know that you are so strong and I pray to be half as strong as you and my brother. ❤️ I suffer with depression sometimes as well. Thank you again.
Claude I want you to know if nothing else today, that you are not alone, I just broke down to my husband telling him, honey this is the first time in almost 3 years, that someone has expressed 100% what I felt and went through. Thank you being so vulnerable with us, been here since day one, cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and this platform. May our Heavenly Father continue to shine his light on you and you’re family always. 🙏🤍 Esmeralda
Thank you for sharing these encouraging words and for also sharing about your hardships … whew not easy. It also blesses me because we are not alone in how we feel. And there is so much hope. ♥️
Yes this episode is exactly how I felt as well we all was experiencing these feelings and physical aspects as well and feeling so alone if only we knew so many others was going thru the same
Thank you so much for sharing. I have struggled with similar issues and I am also an empath and feel everything very extremely. Honestly from the first time I started watching you I felt like there is something about her spirit that feels familiar/similar and I truly appreciate that. It’s a sense of comfort to know that we all have things that we go through and when you find people that you connect with( even if it’s just online) it helps with feeling less alone. I appreciate you for sharing in this way and this community that you have created is very much needed. Peace and many more blessings.
As I read these comments, I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the community here and all that you share with me and my family.
Thank you so much.
It's important that we share our experiences
with other people. Your story will heal you,
and your story will heal somebody else.
And when you tell your story you free yourself.
And what a blessing to feel a connection to others.
Will continue to read these beautiful comments throughout this evening. ♥️
I definitely cried throughout this video. Thank you all for this important topic. Saludos desde Texas y bendiciones. ❤️🩹
I feel this in my soul on another level. In march of 2020, in San Francisco, I was pregnant and my mother who lived with me and my family was in chemotherapy. I have never experienced that level of anxiety and stress in my life. It physically and mentally broke me down. Taking my spanish speaking mother to the ER bc she had cancer related issues and having to part with her in the parking lot of the hospital, while the staff who were fully dressed in pandemic gear wheeled her away. Not being able to be by her side, not knowing if she would die alone in a hospital that wouldn’t allow me in with her. It was such a terrible and traumatic time for so many of us for so many reasons. Then giving birth not knowing if my husband could be by my side…. It just never ended. I found myself staying busy to survive it all, thats how i coped, but i was also working from home, in grad school, and I had 2 children already so staying busy wasnt hard, and sometimes not even a choice. Then you add the financial stresses associated with job loss bc of covid… and 2020 was easily the most difficult year of my life! I think many of us will be unpacking the trauma of that time for years to come. But I am grateful we are here, alive, breathing, and most of all for the perspective it provided. Life is short, be with those you love in the places that bring you peace. My lifes goal is to get my children to Hawaii, and build a life for them there. - wishing you and your the best and know that you aren’t alone in what you experienced!
Claude I cried this entire video and appreciate how raw you were with your experience. I’ve always loved your family and how you love each other, but I just kept thinking of how blessed you were to have them by your side. You have brought so much awareness to the topic of depression and anxiety. Glad to see you are doing better.❤️
Bless you for sharing. I cried and prayed listening to your story.
amen. thank goodness for your life.
Psalm 118:5
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”
Love this!!!
I don't know what we did to deserve this channel but I'm wholeheartedly GRATEFUL. God bless this family. Lord we give you thanks for them.
Wow, 🥹♥️🙏🏼 thank you thank you thank you
Amen!
❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾. Thank you Zaria
Amén!
I 10000000% agree. This channel is blessing my soul.
Papa’s love is so apparent. He’s quiet but a force and a pillar within this family.
Oh wow! Now I get why Adrienne wants to be so close to home, because family is all you need in such times. Thanks Claude. You are a blessing to us 💛
♥️🥲🙏🏼 thank you so much
Anxiety and Depression are not topics to be toyed with. Claude, I'm thankful that you chose to address this subject on your platform.
That last part. It’s so true. Everyone thinks that not wanting to be here makes you weak and selfish. But if people were to look deeper they would see the pain and why someone doesn’t want to be here on this earth. 😩
This was my story! This happened to me. I too am a nurse, worked through the pandemic of 2020, thought I was strong in the Lord, focused in my job, doing my best as a mama...then one day I came home from work and all hell broke loose. Couldn't understand it, still healing from the trauma, did not know I was experiencing anxiety and panic attacks disorder. Several trips to the hospital after every panic attack episode and being told ' get in through your head there's nothing wrong with your heart...' I too thought once the physical symptons were gone that id be ok, but when my lab results came back and I was physically signed off as well, I couldn't understand why I still felt wrong. Feeling stuck and almost detached from my own mind, such a scary place. Religion made me feel as though I was possessed, I would cry out to the Lord, I felt so alone. I literally could only get it together just about enough to feed the kids and then back to that place of panic and despair. My mother would come round and force me out of the house and I'm so thankful she did despite feeling so disconnected with everything but at one point I too looked at my mother and said, I think I need to check myself in and she screamed in Jesus name no!!! I felt like I was fighting everyone day to survive, non stop panic attacks so exhausting and so scary. I would read the word and I started to see that this experience wasn't going to last but I could believe it as it felt so pemennant. A loving family member explained what anxiety was and gave me techniques to get out of the panic phase but it took 6 months to really see some results. I too was extremely ignorant of mental health, thought people were exaggerating. I didn't realise just how dark it can get and be. I'm telling you if it wasn't for the Lord and that loving family member I don't know where I would be. I had some therapy and can now identify triggers. The Lord used anxiety to deliver me from religion and I came to the saving grace of God's love in Christ Jesus. Condemnation can play alot on your mind especially if you where brought up in church, I needed to know the love of God. Then when my own relative took their life the following year, my heart broke at just what they must've been going through and not knowing that there was a way out, they just didnt know. People still don't get it and to be fair I don't blame them because I didn't before it happened to me. But there's no shame and the more people speak up the more knowledge and understanding can be provided. Now I appreciate how precious it is to have a sound mind. A scripture that helped me was in psalms 139:12 (NLT), '...but even in darkness I cannot hide from you...' that scripture was so important as I would often say to God, no one knows where I am but you do. It breaks my heart to think about it but I know there's a reason for everything and although I'm so sorry you had to go through it, I'm greatful that there is some one else that gets it too. May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family and may this just be the beginning all the lives you'll touch through your openess. Thank you for sharing x
This was such a raw and powerful episode that was greatly needed. I cried throughout most of it and commiserated so much with your Mom Nilda as a parent of adult children. Everything you shared was so spot on especially the thoughts on mental illness from both a Christian and Hispanic prospective. Your words that a person who commits suicide is not so much selfish as just in such deep pain and despair truly resonated in my soul. I can’t wait for the following episode. Again, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Elsie ♥️🙏🏼
I'm delivered from axienty & Depression 🥺 like u said a Spirit.. I can testify that yes it is.. But everyone see it differently i respect that. ❤️ Will pray for those who are dealing with it. Thank u for sharing.
Wow thanks for sharing. You are so blessed with your supportive family. I shared my anxiety and depression with my mom but she's very religious and told me to stick to the scriptures and not to take medicine. For my kids I had to get the help I needed and go against the religious take on mental health. 🙏
Awww Claudeee... I def understand. I developed anexity and had panic attacks during the pandemic. Its a tough road but healing will continue
I had health anxiety and it affected me physically with burning sensations I remember one night the muscle in my neck and chest got so tight I thought I was going to die, I did three days of fasting and prayer the anxiety was under control burning sensation was gone still have a little issue dealing with but I tell myself each day that I will be fine. Fear is the root of anxiety so I had to cast it out Glory to God🙏🏾🙏🏾
This is beautiful and I feel the same currently. I pray for strength to keep going. My daughters need me but it is so hard
🧡
Crying and relating. I’ve went through such a dark time and oh it was raw and painful. It reminds me of what the Bible calls a dark night of the soul.
Thanking God for new seasons, family, and light at the end of the tunnel!
So brave Claude to open yourself up to discuss this! We ALL (whether some like to admit or not) have had our moment of depression or “the dark night of the soul”. Whether it be caused by the pandemic, postpartum, a death in the family, etc. I applaud you for speaking because to me it seems to not only be informative, but I’m sure will be a testimony once you release part 2 of this video. You have made it to the other side! You are still here! The enemy tried to steal your peace, kill your joy and destroy your spirit, BUT GOD!!! To God be the Glory! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
I used to think that way about suicide too and I realised how wrong that was when my friend lost her eldest son in a car accident and then her younger son to suicide a year later. I learned from her that it is an illness that requires the same treatment, care & support as any other illness. Her younger son blamed himself for his older brothers death and there wasn't anything anyone could say to change his mind. He was in so much pain that he believed his family and the world would be better off without him. She travels round now sharing her story, educating and supporting families that need help. Mental illness is everywhere, there is no one person that has everything all together all of the time & thanks to Covid, it's probably brought it to light in a very real way for a lot of people. Thank you for sharing Claude - you're not alone!
This was so powerful. I felt the pain. Depression has so many stigmas tied to it and especially those of us who believe in God may feel that it’s a lack of faith but the Bible talks of people who were in absolute despair, people who no longer wanted to live. Eljiah, Jeremiah, Hannah etc. Jehovah God understands what we feel, he is the God of consolation and he provided us with doctors and specialist to help us when we can’t help ourselves. Thank you for sharing something so painful, thank you for being vulnerable. I hope your story, your voice helps, even if it’s just one person going through it right now❤️
Wow thank you for these words ♥️🙏🏼♥️🥹 just blessed me
This is so well put!! Love this! Never realised this before ♥️
As a special needs mom I feel like I'm not allow to breakdown because I am so depended on. I absolutely lost it when you said that Jet had to grow up because she just understood in her own way. I thought of my youngest and how quickly he has had to grow up to help mom. He has seen me fall apart in tears and he runs to my rescue. Both my husband and I suffer in silence venting only to each other. I know for a fact that I need help or to talk to someone. This video has really helped me realize that. Thank you for sharing. Praying for your heart ♥
Wow, thank you for sharing. And whew therapy has been so helpful. I go often (I used to feel embarrassed to say this but now I just don’t care because it should be normalized but I go two times a week) … it helps me sooo much.
I encourage everyone who feels overwhelmed to do it if it’s possible.
Sending you a big virtual hug ♥️ and thank you for tuning in.
Find someone to talk to sis and when u need to cry let it out sending you love ❤
@@claudeandco. thank you for even taking time out to respond. I absolutely felt that virtual hug ♥ God bless you and your loved ones.
@@GlowfitGuyanesegirl Thank you! I am in the works of looking for help ♥
This is so comforting to the soul. I totally get it. I too am Christian and suffer with depression and anxiety. Thank you for this. May God bless you and your family always, May He cover you in His loving arms and bring joy and peace to your heart. 💗
This channel is going to be God sent for so many….Personally having suffered from bi polar for so many years… I understand how small and insignificant feels like. ❤ please cover depression in more videos… It’s a topic that needs to be openly discussed!
Man. I needed this. I am in TEARS. I am coming out of the worse two years of my life.. and this was so refreshing and sad at the same time to watch. Claude thanks for sharing
Sending you so much love. And hoping you are entering into a beautiful season in your life ♥️
This is so needed. So many people struggle with this and are afraid to speak up. Thank you for being so transparent and bold to speak up. I love you so much.
God bless you. You’re a vessel God has used to share this story and you are helping so many who maybe don’t have the strong family ties that have helped you. You’re making a difference for them. This illness was not in vain, and God will continue to will bless you for helping others
Thank you for sharing this 😢, I've been feeling the need to seek some mental healthcare for some time. My resources at the moment are limited.
I wasn't physically sick like you. After a month of lock down in NYC having to close the doors to our practice to work from home, towards the end of April I started to become depressed too.
Less pts were calling, mine were predominantly elderly pts. Some called simply bc they were lonely. Missed their (grand) kids. It broke my heart. It became harder being their source of comfort.
I was experiencing seasonal depression, family dysfunction, and compounding anxiety and isolation.
At one point I stopped getting out of bed too. Kept my laptop, a dress, and a comb in bed. Beyond relieving myself, I couldn't get out of bed to eat or bathe.
I turned off the news, and wore headphones with calming music to block out the endless sirens outside.
I was a puddled mess the day Trump sent those fighter jets down the Hudson. It triggered trauma from 9/11. Since I stopped watching the news, I didn't know about it. I was an honest mess and living alone.
Returning to the office in May was bitter. There were letters from the spouses of some of my pts notifying us their loved one passed.
I don't think I felt decent until the summer started in June. I stopped working in healthcare Dec 2020. Switched to petcare. Only volunteering at a hospital administratively once a week since. I do realize how much I miss it. Slowly starting to work my way back in FT and find my footting and a new niche. It still feels exhausting though. Gladly doing better than I was, but still on a path to recovery. This inspires me to continue building a foundation as best I can. 🙌
This video is life changing..if u asked yourself "if I can help at least 1 person" I think this will reach milllions..Tqm! 🥰
So needed. I have been struggling a lot lately and this came just at the right time! Thank you so much for sharing!
♥️🙏🏼 I’m sorry to hear that… not easy. I pray that you find a way to ease it all. Sending a big virtual hug.
Agreed. March 2020 and the following months were a dark time for many. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your story.
Whew it really was.
And thank you so much ♥️🙏🏼
As someone who grew up in church, thank you for opening up about mental health. God bless you 🙏🏼💗
Your strength and love around you is what made you who you are today. Not everyone will have the right answers, not everyone will understand the grief and anxiety you are feeling. But JUST KNOW that you are in control of you and GOD will lead you out of this, I don’t know when I don’t know how but you will get through the dark times. Thank you for sharing your most vulnerable season in your life. I grew up in a traditional cultural where we would say the exact same thing about being depressed or dealing with mental issues, it was always brushed off as ‘pray’ or ‘you will be ok’. You are so STRONG. You are, LOVED. Thank you Claude & Co ❤️ Blessing x
The amount of strength it takes to be this vulnerable. Thank you so so much for sharing this.
Thank you 🙏🏼♥️
This episode broke me. Growing up in a Pentecostal home I know exactly what it feels like to feel like something is wrong with you and almost afraid of saying something because you might be judged. I’m so happy you were strong enough to be so transparent and shared such a tough moment in your life. It’s amazing to see that Gerd could see something was clearly wrong and reached out to your mom and papa Joe. Your support system is impeccable. Thank you for sharing! You guys are amazing ❤️
Melissa, thank you so much 🙏🏼♥️
I can't stop crying for you as well as myself. It's the not knowing what's going on within yourself.
Claude thank you. I’m crying while I’m typing this but thank you. I go in and out of my pain some days are better than others but your channel makes me so happy thank you ❤️
This is the most beautiful video I have ever watched because I went through this or still
Going through it but I am coming around the corner finally. I am a single mother and my daughter too at 12 went through the same. She had to help me. She watched me have to call her father to take me to the er several times, crying, not being able to walk to outside because it was too loud. I was over stimulated. So much fear of the unknown. I had no family and a few friends that just didn’t understand. I turned to sermons on RUclips. Praying a lot. It’s been a very long two years. And medicine is still a fear of mine. These videos have helped me see things differently. I thank you for this. Because I really thought I was alone in this. Nobody seems to get it.
This is probably the legit 4th time I’ve watched this episode. Thank you. You were able to put in words what so many couldn’t. The authenticity and rawness in your sharing is such a light. Our world so desperately needs more of this. So grateful❤️
For someone that grew up in church and dealt in silence with mental struggles. This is something that I appreciate seeing that it’s ok. That it wasn’t taboo after, just all misconceptions. Claude thank you so much for being very candid and honest.
I am sitting here watching this in tears .
I felt this exact same way. I would cry every night when my husband and kids went to bed because I didn’t want to show them I was scared . I too would and still do watch the news everyday at 4 am , 12 moon 5 pm and 9 pm . As more and more need came in the more I felt like when is this ever going to be over . Are we ever going to get our normal back? Then I caught Covid right when things were letting up and went back into this depress i call it a “funk” . I’m afraid of change and this scared the sh*t out of me . 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I absolutely love Gerd! He hits the nail right on the head every time.
As the daughter of a mom who had a breakdown, I thank you for this and Jet and Beau are blessed to have a mom who is honest about her struggles-- your daughters will be better for it. This video made me feel so seen in my own anxiety and depression AND past judgements about suicidal ideation. Thank you Claude.
Whew thank you 🥹 especially that first part. I know they are good but sometimes the mom guilt creeps up. Thank you ♥️🙏🏼
Wow! I’m feeling so sad for u Claude and what U went thru. The part that really stands out for me is when ur Mother said u asked her if there were any Facilities in the area that u could go to and u injected “ I begged u “ I wish u told us more about that. To hear this story and look back at A’s videos that u were in during the Pandemic makes me wonder if u were going thru this then. I think that’s when everyone really fell in love w u. I remember u guys singing “ Bridge over troubled water “ U were really feeling that song and u sang it w such emotion. Thank God for ur Family and Thank God for u Claude. This world desperately needs ppl like u in it Sis. God Bless 😘❤️🙏🏽
Props to YOU Claudette, for being so open about your ignorance. I can bet you have greatly improved the life of even one viewer who needed this right now. ❤
🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼 thank you so much
Mental Illness is SO REAL… When people see others acting out and find it funny it’s not… It is real… Thank for for sharing your story… Showing it’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for help..
This really touch my soul. Currently dealing with anxiety and depression and it’s definitely not talked about enough in the African American community. I’m learning to leap out on faith and let God be my guide! Thank you for sharing! ❤❤❤
Allow Him to be your everything and lean on the Holy Spirit He is here, He is your comfort and your peace. Hold on for your turn around season. It WILL come.
I know these feelings all too well. I’d suffered from depression and anxiety during childhood and my teenage years, but was officially diagnosed last summer. The pandemic definitely heightened those feelings and emotions, coupled with police brutality and the 2020 election cycle. Someone in my family or someone close to me died from March until December. I tried navigating that while trying to complete a masters program. Thankfully I completed my program, but the emotional damage and trauma as a result carried over into 2021, which proved to be even more challenging. Navigating mental health and illness is tough, especially in Black and Brown communities, and then factoring in religion…whew! This episode truly touched me; thank you (and Gerd Mama Nilda and Papa Joe) for being so honest and candid about this journey. I’m praying for continued healing and I can’t wait for the next episode! 🙏🏾
Yeeeesss!!
If you don’t mind me asking what wa your first course of action? Asking for myself. My anxiety has now become even more physical and I’m not sure where to start PCP, Therapy idk
Thank you so much for sharing… that is not easy (all those things you had to navigate) 😢
May God bless you and keep you.
Thank you for those encouraging words ♥️
@@camarojai6832 for me … it was therapy. I was blessed with a wonderful therapist. And I really followed her advice. (I have been going weekly … 2x a week since 2020)
Hope that helps… Also next weeks episode really touched on my healing journey.
@@camarojai6832 I don’t mind. I ended up on anxiety meds in 2019 but it wasn’t until last summer that I finally found a therapist (after looking for several years). Before meds I was big on meditation, it can definitely help with mindfulness in terms of your body. I also journal my feelings and keep a daily gratitude journal. There are several ways to do therapy; you’ve got online and virtual or in person. Personally, for me, I’ve found that it’s harder to find an in person therapist, mostly because of what I was looking for. I knew that I wanted a female therapist, specifically a black or brown woman, given the similarity shared experiences as women and as minorities. I’m hoping that you find the help you’re looking for. I wish you peace blessings and lots of love 🙏🏾
Whew, this had me in tears the entire time. Thank you for your vulnerability and for sharing your story! We love you Claude!
Thank you for being part of this beautiful community ♥️🙏🏼 and for those encouraging words!
This is huge. I hope you know how many people now feel like they are not crazy, they are not exaggerating, not alone. As a mom, woman, I would watch Adriennes channel and I remember feeling watching you something was wrong. I believe it was the video 3 years ago where you guys had a slumber party with your girls. Watching you was hard, you weren’t making eye contact as you do now. It was almost like you were there, but we’re NOT there if you get what I’m saying. I am so glad you brought awareness to such a common issue that NO ONE wants to talk about but sadly admit to because of our own childhood upbringing❤️
💕💕🙏🏼🙏🏼 I have gone through Anxiety in the past, and it was definitely a very challenging time! I Thank God, with a therapist teaching me coping mechanisms and a lot of Prayer, I was able to Overcome !! Thank You for your transparency 💕💕🙏🏼🙏🏼God Bless!!
Claude, it may sound crazy but we do love you. Thank you SO MUCH for being so transparent. It helps incredibly. A thousand times, THANK YOU! And I hope you are feeling better. Much love to you and the fam 💕
Dang you nailed it on the head with that last one! I had the same judgment until I suffered it myself and realized this shit is hard to come out of, especially by yourself! I loved when you guys said having a mental illness has nothing to do with how mentally strong you are!!! That made me cry so hard bc I judged myself for that. I kept putting myself in this depressive rabbit hole.
Good Evening, you are so great for admitting you had a hard time. You are right mental illness is a stigma. My chest has also experienced tightness. Thankyou for letting me know I am not alone! Best, Ms. Joanna L. Kearns Plantation, Florida
I felt this so much. I also grew up in a Pentecostal household and the stigma of mental health issues. Hearing your story sounds just like mine. There is alot in the Christian community where people believe if you deal with mental health that oh, you must not have enough faith or your not praying enough or you're a weak Christian. Just like you praise God I also have a family who was there for me and helped me through. It took prayer AND therapy and there is no shame in that. Praise God that he is allowing you to use this as a testimony to help other people. And it also it spires me to want to share my story. God Bless!
This topic truly hits home to me because my father has been dealing with anxiety and depression and like it was said that you feel hopeless because that exactly how I feel. I have tried everything and anything to help my father but nothing doesn't work. It's been years and he does seek professional help, which I also get involved to see if that will help him in seeing me being their for him. Letting him know that he is not alone. I've been fighting to get my father the help that he needs because I see him a man who was full of joy, happiness, laughter, social to now being in bed and doesn't get up. As if he gave up on himself. It's hurts to see my father this way. But as a woman who is raised in church, yes people would say oh it's a spirit but like your husband said they just need professional help. Lord, knows how much I still cry because of how my father is in his state of mental health. But I will not GIVE UP on my father!!! #theirisstillhope# This episode was beautiful but VERY IMPORTANT!!! 🙏
I needed this...more than you will ever know. I have been dealing with my own struggles and hearing you put words to it has already helped me. There is nothing wrong with admitting that something is wrong and that you dont just need rest or a walk...you need help. Thank you for your vulnerability.
Thank you for sharing these words ♥️🥹🙏🏼
Thanks so much for this.....am a single mom of one and I have been struggling with anxiety and depression right now, but the worst for me is I can't share is with anyone. I live and work with my family but all they do is judge and basically me a bad mother, a looser,a failure and that I have nothing going for me. It just makes everything worse. I hope I get better soon.
Claude, I'm so proud of you for sharing! This episode really touched my heart. Thank you for being open about your mental health. All my love and warmth to you, Gerd, Jet, and Beau.
This is such a powerful and necessary episode. As a Christian, I was raised with some very judgmental beliefs. These beliefs stigmatized mental illness so much to the point when I started feeling low or down or even depressed, I questioned my own salvation. Now, at 41 years old, I’m so grateful to have evolved and enlightened my thinking to understand the true power and grace of God. I know that God is the God of love, grace and mercy. We all fall short of His glory because we are born in this human flesh and body. This is why He sent his son Jesus to die for us, so that we can have life more abundantly. I now understand mental illness more, to the point I have empathy and compassion- not judgement. Christians, let’s do our part to love one another and stop with the judging. The greatest commandment is love. Thank you for sharing this video Claude and thank you for your transparency! You’re helping and blessing a lot of people. 🙏🏽💕
I'm so thankful and grateful that I found this channel I'm learning so much!!!
Thank you for using your platform and sharing your story in enlighten others and letting those going through their own things, that they are not alone. I too had a couple of months of depression and major mood swings during the pandemic. My husband got extremely worried, through his own experiences, he knew I needed help. He urged me to check in with my Dr. I did, thankfully. I think we got to bottom of it. Apparently, with age and female body changes, especially after bearing kids, I have PMDD. Which can cause a hormonal imbalance. Like you, I have thing internal stigma about using medications. If others need it, I'm all for it and support it. But for me, it's difficult to get out of that mentality. The Latin community is something else, we are strong hard headed people. We don't need meds for that only weak people do... So I'm still trying deal with it on my own, but acknowledge the issue... Thank you again and i can't wait for part 2. Much love to you and your family
I can't believe I am hearing a story like mine. I went through the same thing. The sadness, the fear, the hopelessness..... mental issue is a real thing. And we can all go through at any age or any time.
Wowww, powerful testimony. I can't say exactly why but I've always liked Claudette. I now admire and respect you so much. Thanks for pouring your heart out and sharing this painful memory. So happy you're healed and happy. You are blessed to have an amazing support system. GOD IS GREAT!!
I cried watching this. I pray and hope that this video will help people struggling with mental health to get help. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Wow, I’ve never heard anyone explain it like you have. I went through the same exact thing 6 years ago where for an entire year I had to quit work because I couldn’t get out of bed. I had anxiety and panic attacks what seemed like every hour in a day. I couldn’t see the light from the hole I had dug myself in... but for anyone out there who’s struggling and you don’t see the light let me tell you there is a light! I’ve been 4 years free of panic and anxiety. Seek help and don’t stop fighting and don’t expect your old life back you’ll get a new one. ❤️
How did you get out of it?
Thank you, Claude. I know this wasn't easy but your journey probably helped someone out there. I know for me, no one could help me. I need to find help from a professional. I needed therapy.
To be fully transparent, sometimes I pass by your videos & think “i’ll watch that later”. And then when I finally watch it, there’s always some sort of alignment where I watch it & it’s what I needed to see & hear in that moment. Thank you (& your family) for being so raw & open & allowing us to share your life moments. Thank you for being examples of what growth & openness looks like. Sending prayers & love to you & your family. I hope you’re continuing to take care of yourself 🤍
This really touched me. I love the way your family and husband love you. I love this channel. So pure, calming, and full of love and light. Please keep the content coming. We love to see it. ❣️
Thank you for sharing this. So glad you overcame and that you have family standing beleiveling praying and supporting you. 🙏🏽
Claudette thank you for this... I truly understand the anxiety and sinking into the rabbit hole. Because I ended up having a COVID while pregnant with my 3rd and youngest child. Meanwhile still having to be mom to a 1 year old and 5 year old.
I definitely was battling sadness, feeling depressed, lonely, anger, shame and suicidal thoughts just this past week. 😞😞😞 I used to think it was selfish too but now that I've experienced those feelings, I see why people do it. It really is because you're in so much pain. 😢 Thanks for sharing your story with us Claudette. I love you and so glad you're still here. You give me hope! ❤️❤️🩹
I promise you… there is hope. It’s just finding those things that work for you (and that may look different for everyone) but please never give up. I promise you things can be different. ♥️🙏🏼 sending you so much love.
I’m so happy that you decided to share this with all of us!! It makes me feel like I wasn’t the only one feeling like I was lost and scared. I was having anxiety attacks and I don’t know what was causing it. Just feeling like I couldn’t breath and my heart would race and felt even worse. I remember my kids being at school and my husband being at work. I was alone with my baby girl. I had a attack and just thought I can’t have one now with my daughter and alone. She’s not going to understand and how will she be in the house all alone without her mom. Who I thought I was going to die. I felt like it it pass out. It brings me into tears just thinking of that. That feeling was just awful. So thank you for opening up. I have felt like I’m looking at me sometimes when you talk about stuff like this. I love you and don’t even know you. Your a beautiful soul. ♥️
Thank you for being so vulnerable. You have no idea how many souls you are helping.
This hit home because I too went through this and struggle daily. You are blessed to have a support system. I definitely didn’t. I ended up quitting my job as I am a single mom of three and it took me 8 months to get back on track. I definitely had mom guilt. Thank you for sharing your story and shining light on mental health.
I can relate!😢... looking forward to part II.
The openness, vulnerability and information from this video is so healing.❤️
Thank you for sharing. God bless
When you are struggling in a dark space you think it’s only you that you are going crazy but once I pray to my lord Jesus i notice something clicks I always forget how good I feel after a prayer and that makes me stronger to get up and out of that dark space but mental illness is real
I hope that you will see this. I'm a health care provider and I've taken care of many people post covid. Covid does affect the nervous system in some cases causing neurological effects. I.e. depression and anxiety. Those effects can be symptoms of covid in some people just like coughing. My heart is with you!
Ay mamita...Claude you are an empath...of course this was going to hit you harder than anyone else in your family... Mamita you are a retired nurse... The major front line workers were nurses...round the clock having to face this crisis head on with so much uncertainty... I believe this was also a hidden challenge you were dealing with....fear for yourself and your family if you were not retired and still had to work fear for your colleagues...Gracias a Dios q te ha bendecido con una hermosa familia llena de amor y fe.... Thank you so much for this video....YOU HAVE JUST HELPED THOUSAND THIS VERY MOMENT 💚
Thank you so much for being so transparent in your walk with depression, for it is such an intense and personal journey..an independent walk and very often a lonely road. But thank God for the comforting support of family who continue to love us through it ❤️
You have no idea how much I needed this I cried the entire time
I cannot express how deeply moved I am with your transparency, thank you thank you for sharing this with us. I am a first generation Latina Psychology student working on my bachelors in clinical psychology. I hope to earn a masters and doctorate in Marriage and Family therapy and can not tell you how difficult it is to share mental health awareness to my Latino Family. Latinos already live in a stigmatised lack of understanding of mental health needs, what is more challenging for me is to share knowledge to my Christian family. I am a Christian myself and even among my Christian peers there is a great need for psychological understanding. Towards the end of this video you shared how much you regret previously believing that those who ended their lives were selfish. It was not until I too experienced the combination of anxiety and depression that I also changed my perspective of the very thing you felt about suicide. My heart aches for what you experienced, but I am so grateful that you were brave in sharing it with us, thank you again. It also helps to hear the perspective of your husband and parents.
I have never commented on anyone’s youtube channel. BUT This is by far my fave episode 😭 I have worked in mental health for over 12 years and am a certified therapist. I am currently working in Suicide postvention nationwide and it breaks me to see the numbers increase 😭 We need more people like you. Your story resonates with so many people - from all walks of life. Im from small little New Zealand and the impact you have made is enormous. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I cannot wait for the next part x
You are so amazing. I love your honesty and your family. You are strong and brave!
🌌Oh Wow Happy 🆕 Feb 2023 Great Story Big Claudin/Uncle Claudette Ok 🆒😎🌹I'm Glad Dat U Guys And U Sis R Ok🖤
Oh gosh. Your videos make me cry especially the lovely footage of Jet helping.🌺🥳 Your mum's beauty, elegance and that dress and papa Joe's eloquence. So touching. Kudos to Gerd.
this conversations are so important...i wish this video was translated into spanish to show it to my parents. They are so ignorant when it comes to mental health. I remember when i tried to mention a few times...like you Claude, about a facility or therapist to my parents and they ignored me...thank god im fine now, but at that moment it was what I needed the most, to feel that support from them...and when they did nothing i was so sad and angry. I just want you to know, to anybody that is reading this...when someone tells you they don't feel good...believe them and try to help in some way. Mental health is real!
This is so honest and raw. I appreciate that. This will help so many people.
You being able to sit and talk with your family about this difficult time and having these conversations in itself is healing. I used to be very ignorant as well, believing you can just get out and not be depressed. Then I got hit with postpartum depression. NOTHING, nothing can pull you out of that darkness, the tears, the sadness. It's not something I could just snap away by going outside or going shopping. I am so proud of you all sharing these vunerable moments.
You are So loved Claudette!
Love from London
This happened to me in 2018 , it was SO strange how & when it did. It hit me hard & felt out of nowhere. I lost sooo much weight too , no sleep & in such a negative mood. My son & husband, tried & tried to get me out of it, nothing was going through me. I was miserable & making then feel the same. I like you , 'healed' when we were 'sent home' in April 2020. We enjoyed that time to reconnect & talk about MENTAL HEALTH.
We had been non stop busy/working & were starting to neglect ourselves/each other.
Take Care!
I’m 22 and I relate so heavily to your story. In a blink of an eye my whole world went upside down. I was an Ivy League student and my immigrant parents were living the ‘American dream’ and then after my freshman year I fell into a deep depressive state and I ended up taking a medical leave of absence.
At first we thought it was an evil spirit. But finally the Lord led us to a psychiatrist and psychologist that helped me. Mental illness is a real issue and there needs to be a combination of prayer and medical treatment to heal. I’ll pray for you Titi Claude❤️. Thank you so much for being one source of my peace.
Happy ending: I graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Columbia University 5 years later. You learn so much during those dark times and it’s beautiful that we both are fighters!
🙏🏾
Whew. This was good!! So powerful. Thanks for sharing this!!
Wow this is so incredibly powerful. Thank you for sharing your story! And allowing us in and to also see we are not alone.
this is so real 😥 nothing but love an respect for this conversation ... thank you for sharing ,🙏
Thank you! Thank you! You have no idea how many of us can relate to your story! you're so brave! Thank you for giving us all who struggle a voice!
Thank you for being so transparent and giving the details on the onset so people can relate and know that they we’re not alone. Your baby girl Jet stepping in to help you is a beautiful testimony of how you raised her and she did what she saw you do.
Claude, thank you for sharing your story. ❤️
Oh Claudette. I love you so much and thank you for sharing this story. I was crying watching this whole episode. I’ve experienced this first hand with my brother and I use to think he was selfish for trying to take his life. He is still here and getting help. I want you to know that you are so strong and I pray to be half as strong as you and my brother. ❤️ I suffer with depression sometimes as well. Thank you again.
I feel like you were telling my story…..
Sending So much love and light to you 🤍✨
This moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing your story.
Claude I want you to know if nothing else today, that you are not alone, I just broke down to my husband telling him, honey this is the first time in almost 3 years, that someone has expressed 100% what I felt and went through. Thank you being so vulnerable with us, been here since day one, cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and this platform. May our Heavenly Father continue to shine his light on you and you’re family always. 🙏🤍
Esmeralda
Thank you for sharing these encouraging words and for also sharing about your hardships … whew not easy. It also blesses me because we are not alone in how we feel. And there is so much hope. ♥️
Yes this episode is exactly how I felt as well we all was experiencing these feelings and physical aspects as well and feeling so alone if only we knew so many others was going thru the same
Amen
Thank you so much for sharing. I have struggled with similar issues and I am also an empath and feel everything very extremely. Honestly from the first time I started watching you I felt like there is something about her spirit that feels familiar/similar and I truly appreciate that. It’s a sense of comfort to know that we all have things that we go through and when you find people that you connect with( even if it’s just online) it helps with feeling less alone. I appreciate you for sharing in this way and this community that you have created is very much needed. Peace and many more blessings.