Hope- The Art of Never Giving Up

When the world says, "Give up." Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."- Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Depression is like the bad guy in every horror movie you've ever watched. No matter how fast you try to run from it, it creeps up on you and appears out of nowhere. Just like the victim in the slasher movie who always seems to run upstairs where there is no hope for survival, depression takes a hold on all rationale and limits the ability to find a way out of a difficult situation.

I've struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. Of course, when I was a teen no one talked about it and getting help in the form of medication or therapy was frowned upon. It wasn't until I had my first child and suffered postpartum depression that I could no longer deny that I needed help. In addition to medication, I learned other coping mechanisms such as exercise, journaling and positive self-talk.

It has always been my personality to feel deeply. Burden, guilt, love, pain, compassion- as a leader it is both a strength and a weakness of mine. Others look to you for guidance, direction and assurance. During difficult times, a leader must appear positive, confident, strong and capable of making decisions for the betterment of the corporation and its employees. A leader must also carry the burden of making decisions that are sometimes beyond their control. Decisions that negatively affect his or her employees. It you feel deeply, this burden can feel like you are carrying a two ton boulder on your shoulders. This is certainly what the leaders of this corporations are dealing with now.

I struggled with coming up with a topic of discussion for this Monday's moment because if I'm to be honest with you, a sweep of anxiety and depression gained a bit of momentum over me this past week, worrying and caring for all of you, our customers and the many that are suffering the consequences of this horrible pandemic that has taken over our lives, both at work and at home.

It is times like this that I must fight against the quicksand of depression that tries to drag me down into its depths. I imagine many of you are doing the same and I want you to know you are not alone. Do you know what keeps me from drowning? YOU. Proteus employees. At the end of the day, customers look to you, just like you may look toward me and the other leaders of this organization, for hope, direction and strength. You are on the front lines everyday fighting for the hardest to serve, the most in need, and unlike other businesses and organizations that have shut their doors, we attempt to stay open to serve those people in need- even when right now, many of us are in need, scared and unsure what tomorrow will bring.

Thank you for being my strength during this difficult time, thank you for giving me hope when sometimes depression tries to prevent me from seeing it. We will get through this. I couldn't be more proud than I am at this very moment to serve you as your Human Resources Director and I can promise you on behalf of the leaders of this organization that we will get through this- together. We are strategizing daily on how we can minimize disruption for everyone. Please know you are our number one focus.

I'd love for us to lift each other up during this challenging period. Why don't we start by sharing some of the activities we have been doing at home with our children or any projects we are finally getting to complete or hope to complete. Email me your ideas or things you have been doing to lift your spirits during quarantine. Below, you will humbly find me trying to entertain myself and my daughter this weekend by schooling her on 4-wheel skating (I threw on some Donna Summers to really bring it home). Ya, I know. We all need a good laugh, right? Enjoy.

If you are suffering from depression, anxiety or stress during these uncertain times, please know there is help. Never be ashamed of needing and asking for help. Call your primary physician, access a therapist or contact Proteus's Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-316-2796 for more information and resources.

Let’s embrace Mondays, and everyday, with excitement. We will do it together, each Monday – for a moment.

Jeana Brooks

Human Resources & Communications Director