Jack

For much of my life, I carried the weight of depression and addiction. Often feeling like I was trapped in a cycle I couldn’t escape. The darkness of those years was heavy, and there were times when I thought I wouldn’t find a way through. 

Addiction only deepened that pain, numbing me from the world but also keeping me from truly living. It was a struggle not just with substances, but with myself, my emotions, my worth, and my place in the world. The isolation that came with it made the burden even harder to carry, as I hid my struggles behind silence.

What began to change things for me was learning to open up, first to myself, and then to others. 

Sharing my story, even in small ways, helped me break free from that silence. Writing poetry and expressive pieces became my outlet, a way to untangle emotions that were too heavy to keep inside. With every poem, I found a little more clarity and a little more strength. 

Over time, I discovered that vulnerability was not weakness, but healing. Today, I have the honour of working at the very rehabilitation centre where I once received help. To stand on the other side, supporting people walking the path I once struggled along, is a reminder of how far I’ve come. 

It’s not an end to the journey, but a continuation of growth, proof that healing is possible, and that our darkest struggles can be transformed into light for others.