Back From The Brink: Richard's Depression Recovery Story

In this video, author and mental health educator Douglas Bloch continues his Back From The Brink series in which he interviews people who have overcome depression, asking them what contributed to their recovery and how they are maintaining that recovery in the present
To visit my personal website which contains links to all of my books, websites, and newsletters, go to douglasbloch.com
To visit my depression recovery website, go to healingfromdepression.com
To visit my website on suicide prevention, go to www.overcomingsuicidalpain.com
To contribute to this channel so that its healing information can reach more people, visit / douglasbloch
To sign up for a free newsletter that provides valuable e-tips for healing from depression, click here: forms.aweber.com/form/75/2116...

[@mikebordner3820]

Everyone, give this man likes, he saves lives. Good stuff Doug.

[@filipvanwalleghem]

You have reached me. Allthough i'm going through this alone. I can beat this!

[@richardfarrell6098]

Yes you can!

[@normanmacfarlane6724]

I understand. I too am going through this alone. You can get through this. I pray for you.

[@luguy8347]

Richard is generous to be so open about his depression. Thank you about pointing out triggers. Douglas is so kind.

[@jgilbertson636]

The chemistry and ease between the two of you was so beautiful and endearing. ❤️🌺

[@richardfarrell6098]

I think so, too!

[@robertzaleski5722]

Yes. Delightful chat. Energizing.

[@robertzaleski5722]

These programs are so over the top excellent golden life preservers.

[@jgilbertson636]

What a sweetheart. Thank you. You have no idea how much this helped me. I haven't woken up happy in decades.

[@TheSuperStrain]

i cant wait to feel good again!! been tough four years so far. thank you two for this wonderful video!

[@richardfarrell6098]

You wil! Four years is a long time but it sounds like you are on track! Good luck to you!

[@TheSuperStrain]

@@richardfarrell6098 thank you so much! Yes, i have a wonderful therapist.

[@Trustds07]

Well you reached me - all the way to Germany Thank you - that video (next to all others) really gave me hope in a darker time

[@richardfarrell6098]

I’m so happy! Good luck to you! Stay strong!

[@larryranieri5762]

Thanks Rich I admit myself in mental hospital for two weeks because anxiety depression suicidal thoughts were there Zoloft helped me could not sleep 7 months I got better feb 2015 to sept 2015 went back to work I learn from Doug it shall pass

[@richardfarrell6098]

So happy to hear that things are looking up! This too shall pass, indeed!

[@delanodor]

That’s a battle!

[@kbderek610]

So happy the series is back. So Inspiring Love it!!!!!!

[@stevethomas74]

Is Richard possibly the loveliest man ever? :-) I'm so happy that he made a full recovery. I am going through a low level episode at the moment but I KNOW that I've been through way worse AND because of having such good practices like Mindfulness, Meditation, Yoga, even walking, that it helps keep the 'Black dog' from trying to devour me whole like he's done so many times in the past. I wish Richard and of course you, Doug, and anyone reading this all the best

[@richardfarrell6098]

Keep working on it! Like Douglas, I see my daily mission as staying out of hell. I owe it to myself and my family and my friends. It is a daily endeavor! All of the self-care and mindfulness practices are so important!

[@stevethomas74]

@@richardfarrell6098 Thank you so much for your response, Richard, and I fully agree with you. My episode is getting a bit worse but again, it's nothing I haven't encountered before over the last 20 years and I'm sure I will again in the future. Depression is a recurring illness after all, especially long term initially untreated for 10 years as mine was. I wish you and your family all the best and as the great Les Brown says, "If you're going through hell, don't stop to look around!" :)

[@aioki_uchiha]

Btw i learned your intro by heart and always saying it with you 😹 this man is such a sweetheart, im so happy for him, he gave us all hope! You helped me alot as well Doug 💟 wish i was from the US so i could be a part of the survivors in these series 😊

[@richardfarrell6098]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@aioki_uchiha]

Richard Farrell you’re a lovely person, i smiled alot while listening to you! Hope that there are more people like you walking this earth 💟

[@richardfarrell6098]

@@aioki_uchiha I know that there are! I’m so happy that you liked the video!

[@stevethomas74]

@@richardfarrell6098 You are a truly lovely man, Richard, so much warmth and genuine kindness in your voice and words. I am so glad that you have made it through to the other side and I hope that your continued good health and joy carries on :)

[@richardfarrell6098]

@@stevethomas74 That is so kind of you, Steve. Thank you!

[@lifeeternal9823]

What a great story. God bless

[@californiadreaming6560]

Hello, from Central Florida Heading to the Magic Kingdom today. My happy place. Sorry I'll miss the live stream.

[@richardfarrell6098]

Hope to connect on the live stream!

[@richardfarrell6098]

Oh wow! D'Land is totally my happy place too! Have fun! We will give you a pass for today and you can catch up with the recording later in the week!

[@wordscaninspire114]

Hello from Cornwall 💚💛💚💛 excellent video thank you

[@shaneharrington3655]

What a sweet guy :-)

[@kylemos1088]

2 veterans in the mental game. Gives me hope that when I get older I can also thrive like you two. Always watch these videos, God bless!

[@richardfarrell6098]

Thank you so much!

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

Nice to hear Richard's story and you're a great host Douglas

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks.

[@richardfarrell6098]

I hope to *see* everyone on Sunday, 12 noon pacific time!

[@Gumsheils]

God willing!!

[@kyleb9143]

Thanks Richard

[@richardfarrell6098]

@@kyleb9143 you are welcome!

[@owen2002]

@@richardfarrell6098 Ur a legend

[@richardfarrell6098]

@@owen2002Wow! You are very kind. Hopefully I’m a guy who can be an example of recovery.

[@peterholmes1171]

Thank you for this positive video, from an ocd sufferer in the UK

[@theusersam]

Thank you for showing that we as men suffer from it as well!

[@richardfarrell6098]

It’s true. Eating disorders, mood disorders and anxiety are not gender-specific.

[@theusersam]

@@richardfarrell6098 exactly.

[@abdulrahaman0157]

Suffering from OCD, GAD, and MDD. This had been one heck of a fight. I am still far far far from being ok or normal but I am gonna fight, fight till my end.

[@richardfarrell6098]

I love your attitude! Keep fighting! We are with you!

[@azeminasuljic1558]

Hi Abdul Are you better now?

[@abdulrahaman0157]

@@azeminasuljic1558 Alhamdulillah. Kinda harder but still going

[@azeminasuljic1558]

@@abdulrahaman0157 are you on any meds? Is something helping? I am in savere anxiety depression insomnia I am not using anything but I should see the doctor

[@abdulrahaman0157]

@@azeminasuljic1558 yes I am currently on meds, and I highly recommend seeing a doc.

[@Renee1110]

I’ve been in severe depression for the last 6 years and it’s recently been getting worse. Last year my mom passed away and my apartment building burnt. The year before that I was diagnosed with cancer. Although I’m in remission now, I’m so alone and cry nearly every day. I realize that my depression pushes people away but I’m I don’t have the strength to fake happy. I don’t know how much longer I can hold a job down. Every day I think I could lose my job. Covid sure isn’t helping matters and now here comes winter. 😩

[@richardfarrell6098]

Renee, I’m so sorry that you have been struggling for six years. That is a long time. Congratulations on surviving cancer. I’m a cancer survivor also. Sometimes I can forget to give myself credit for going through that and forget to be grateful for my remission; but of course I am. I’m not big on giving advice, but I have survived depressive episodes and cancer (and my mom passed away not too long ago also so I’m really feeling you) and what has helped me so much is to be grateful for each day that I am cancer free. And alive. Again, I’m sorry for your pain. There are no easy answers. Keep reaching out for help and find a good mental health provider.

[@richardfarrell6098]

One more thing if I may...we say that this too shall pass; Not as toxic positivity but as a statement of the nature of reality. All things are in flux. The only constant is change. This means that the good times end too, things can end...homes burn down, loved ones die. It is sad. But the good news for us when we are at a low point is that our pain will also end. And the loneliness too. In this lifetime.

[@Gumsheils]

Hi all, remember keep off the social media. "I am with you always". Turn to God and he will turn to you.

[@DouglasBloch]

I have a book called I am with you always said you might be interested in

[@Gumsheils]

@@DouglasBloch Thanks Douglas yea that sounds great!!

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Cool haircut.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks

[@normanmacfarlane6724]

Beatiful I set my intention to heal I would pray that each moment would be my last , that i would draw my last breath and this pain would end and blackness would be my grave. That was my hope. Now i hear you ssy " set intention to heal . . . " beautiful. Take back control. Peace & love

[@elizahopkins150]

Thank you for inspirational conversation. The power of prayer, mindfulness and St Jude all part of my journey.

[@richardfarrell6098]

I’m so happy that you found these to be helpful on your journey!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks for listening

[@wordscaninspire114]

Thank you for an inspiring and supportive video interview true life story of Richard

[@marykirk6360]

Wow. What an inspirational story. Thanks for sharing. This too shall pass. I’m eagerly waiting for my depression episode to pass. It’s not been easy. Hardest time in my life.

[@richardfarrell6098]

It will pass!

[@DouglasBloch]

Mary, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.

[@owen2002]

What a nice man!

[@jennifermiranda6023]

Another great video Douglas. Thank you x

[@DouglasBloch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@billboyd6457]

very good. thanks for mentioning prayer. it helps. God bless you

[@Onlinesully]

Richard seems like a lovely man. his wife and his kids and financial resources from livelihood or otherwise make a huge impact.

[@lydiab5571]

What a wonderful video!!

[@richardfarrell6098]

Thanks!

[@straightflush6095]

I'm on the right way and constantly moving forward, but there are a lot of setbacks, at least they only last a few days and begin to get less severe. My Life before Covid was quite good and I hope I can return to this state. Great Video btw and nice Haircut Doug

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks

[@richardfarrell6098]

MDNixon, I’m excited to connect during live chat!

[@fatimaalmoumen1284]

just as i started feeling better and started having nice days.. I gave birth to a baby with multiple heart and immunity problems and went through open heart surgery at 6 days old only.. but you know what? I’m still holding up, i’m smiling, i’m looking at the full half of the glass.. thanks to people like Douglas, there is always hope ❤️

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks for your kind words Fatima.

[@LadyDeath6666]

Thankyou for your kind words. I have been in the worst depression of my lifetime since a major ptsd event last year, and then Covid this year. My agoraphobia has come back worse than ever for the third time due to covid. I hope it will pass. I’m tired fighting this, I beat agoraphobia twice before.

[@richardfarrell6098]

Sending love to you. Be patient. Be kind to yourself. I know how hard it is. But I also know that yes, it will pass...the depression, the COVID (although it is taking too many and our lives will never be the same), the agoraphobia too, it will pass! I know this to be true. I hear that you are tired! But as long as there is breath in your lungs, there is hope. Hang in there. There are no easy answers to any of this but I know one thing, we are survivors, you and me. We are alive! We are strong and brave. Depressives are the strongest people I know!

[@LadyDeath6666]

@@richardfarrell6098 we are the strongest and put up with more than anybody knows. Thankyou for the hope.

[@DouglasBloch]

Here is a video I posted called Your Pain is not Forever, that may be of help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/en-sfpKNZchracU

[@taylorh520]

@@richardfarrell6098​​⁠ you kept on saying “I want to get better” to set the intention. With my current 6 month depression, it doesn’t seem to be that I want to get better and I drove only a few people around me away! During the last 3 episodes in the last 4 years, I kind of give up the fight. That’s really problematic. I had first depression after going to college 30 years ago. Hope you can see this and get back to me! Really seriously troubled. Thanks!

[@mfrancisco_850]

loved this video guys amazing work keep it up cant wait to see the next video !

[@DouglasBloch]

I have other back from the brink videos. Just put those words into the search function on the homepage of the channel

[@einsteindarwin8756]

Great video!

[@Bigjamez2011]

Your videos really help me keep my depression at bay . Not really sure I have depression, more GAD and hypochondriac I know for sure . It’s hard to pinpoint if I have depression along with it . Usually daily I get a feeling I am not real or like everything is foggy and I feel fake I think is related to anxiety ? I fear my health and fear of my breathing always watching my breathing after a panic attack I’ve never experienced like before .

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad the videos have been feeling. Are you seeing a counselor or therapist to treat your condition?

[@Bigjamez2011]

@@DouglasBloch I could not find one that accepts my insurance yet . I do not want to be on medications and I am not on any medications . Just using hemp flower when needed . I honestly don’t know if I am depressed or if it’s just the anxiety .

[@lorenheard2561]

Thank you Richard for sharing your story! Thank you Douglas for another sharing. It is like a Testimony moment! It is another truly important way for others to not feel so Lost at sea!

[@tonyissue4730]

Great words x

[@tejasanonymous]

Doug and Noah have been a great deal help to me, can't thank enough.

[@richardfarrell6098]

They have helped so many! I love the mission of this channel.

[@tejasanonymous]

@@richardfarrell6098 Cheers 🙂

[@tomkeewee]

Richard, thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an awesome man, hero, and inspiration!

[@richardfarrell6098]

Wow, thank you so much! I dearly want to provide some hope for folks!

[@tomkeewee]

@@richardfarrell6098 awesome! It sounds like you're loving life now!

[@richardfarrell6098]

@@tomkeewee I have to admit I really am right now. I know how difficult life is for everyone right now and I’m feeling that too, but in terms of my mood and my mental health, I’ve never felt better. Three things I’m grateful for right now: someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to.

[@tomkeewee]

@@richardfarrell6098 you should be proud to love life, not feel guilty. You deserve to shine, as we all do!

[@margaretdooley2742]

Excellent interview Doug a lovely man x

[@DouglasBloch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tracydumka1970]

This channel is so helpful. Thank you Douglas Bloch

[@DouglasBloch]

You're welcome Tracy

[@marckrulewitch2403]

Thank you Richard for sharing your story.

[@richardfarrell6098]

You are very welcome!

[@ShaneelChanderpaul]

Thank you, this was great

[@DouglasBloch]

You're welcome.

[@k.i.c.bailey8716]

love these real life back from brink stories! great series, good to see ya Richard, great work Douglas...I'm aiming for making it back from the brink, myself

[@richardfarrell6098]

You will make it!

[@rosemargriffith]

Great video, guys. Thank you

[@DouglasBloch]

Our pleasure!

[@texasgoddess323]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DouglasBloch]

Our pleasure!

[@FromPanictoParis]

Loved this ☝🏾👍🏾 great stuff Richard

[@DouglasBloch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@einsteindarwin8756]

This makes me feel so much better about searching so hard for help. I had social anxiety in college. I was regretting it until I.saw this video. Thank you!

[@richardfarrell6098]

I’m so happy that you found it helpful!

[@tylerzwong3107]

Set An Intention To Heal....... I'll keep holding on to everyone here and Douglas and Richard and everyone. Thank you for this video.

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome.

[@zamenmohamed3816]

OMG I thought that I`m supposed to feel this way and you are saying that life shouldn`t be like this. I almost gave up on myself

[@richardfarrell6098]

Never give up!

[@zamenmohamed3816]

@@richardfarrell6098 thank you seeing you really inspired me , loved your determination.

[@richardfarrell6098]

@@zamenmohamed3816 I’m happy to hear it! Thank you for your kind words.

[@sticksmadison]

Thank you Richard for sharing your story. You have given me hope when I was starting to feel hopeless.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are very welcome

[@richardfarrell6098]

I am so happy that it helped!

[@mariaundurraga1535]

Very relatable.👍🏼

[@jacquelinew374]

Doug is the best! Handsome, kind, caring, experienced..I tell everyone to check out his channel. Soo helpful. It helps people to not feel alone...

[@richardfarrell6098]

I agree!

[@IrfanAnsari-sb4rm]

Thank you doug..

[@IrfanAnsari-sb4rm]

Douglas I'm a final year medical student about to face final year exams..and I am anxious as hell.. it's like all my hidden fears my OCD have gotten worse. I need help

[@vikasgupta1828]

Thanks

[@taylorh520]

⁠ you kept on saying “I want to get better” to set the intention. With my current 6 month depression, it doesn’t seem to be that I want to get better and I drove only a few people around me away! During the last 3 episodes in the last 4 years, I kind of give up the fight. That’s really problematic. I had first depression after going to college 30 years ago. Am tired of fighting again and again Hope you can see this and get back to me! Really seriously troubled. Thanks!

[@annmarieoliverie7526]

Great!

[@DouglasBloch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@grantknott]

Thank you so much for that Richard and Douglas. I am going through a bruised brain mini depression because of my gambling losses a couple of days ago. I’m not sure if I’ve been clinically depressed before but man does gambling losses surely take their toll on a person. I know I’ll get through it. I’ve gotten on and off the horse many times in the past and I know this will pass eventually. I’m just sick to death of this roller coaster ride. Addictions are terrible things but remaining positive, the use of prayer, and just doing one thing at a time for what we call today is the antidote ( I know there are many other positive things to do). I know Richard touched on prayer and I believe one can particularly gain comfort from the Psalms. Psalm 34:18 is a good one. Thanks again

[@DouglasBloch]

My cousin had a gambling problem years ago and he got help from Gambler's Anonymous.

[@grantknott]

@@DouglasBloch Yeah, I’ve been to a few meetings in the past. Not for me I’m afraid

[@richardfarrell6098]

Best of luck to you! Don’t give up!

[@larryranieri5762]

Hi Doug great video w Richard he recovered Richard you never had any hospitalization during your depression episode

[@richardfarrell6098]

No, I was never hospitalized, although I may have been a candidate in 1981. In 2017 I’m sure that an outpatient treatment could have helped me.

[@jeffmoestaygyi.1248]

I really hope im able to see the sun again one day.

[@einsteindarwin8756]

Richard needs his own youtube channel. I would be willing to interview.

[@DouglasBloch]

Yes, he is charismatic.

[@einsteindarwin8756]

@@DouglasBloch Thank you.for responding Douglas.

[@richardfarrell6098]

You are very sweet, thank you!

[@einsteindarwin8756]

@@richardfarrell6098 I am a Producer. I will consider you for something should an opportunity come along.

[@brianw.5230]

It sounds like Richard is Catholic. Keep praying. "Pray, hope and don't worry" said Saint Padre Pio :)

[@Delmarvafishing]

Douglas, you mentioned something about drugs in college. How do you feel about Oregon legalizing all drugs and the use of mushrooms for mental illness?

[@DouglasBloch]

I think they have great potential if the administration is done by trained therapists.

[@jgilbertson636]

I wonder how this applies to chronic physical suffering causing mental illness. It isn't a season.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are correct. I don’t have an easy answer for that, although my brother has been in chronic pain for six years and he somehow manages it. There are pain clinics they’re available.

[@UpFromUnder6]

I have a chronic illness. The pain is absolutely excruciating and inhumane. I just don’t want to exist in this world anymore. My ex pain mngt dr had me on opioids for 8 years after a failed lumbar spinal fusion and the next year I had a total hip replacement. I begged him to be off way sooner. He ended up cutting ALL of my meds. Now I have fibromyalgia. Finding out that there is a connection of long term opioids and fibromyalgia. I have major depression and anxiety and PTSD. I don’t see a future. I’m in my early 50’s now. 😭😭😭😭

[@jgilbertson636]

@@UpFromUnder6 I'm so so sorry. I understand. I had chronic pain for a decade where I couldn't function as a member of society. If there had been a gun in my house I would have ended my life many times. I also have ptsd from this experience, and domestic violence, and ssri and benzo drug injury. The ptsd causes such profound hopelessness and helplessness powerlessness. I'm looking for answers too. Reading "Reasons to stay alive" by Matt haig. The accounts of prisoners at Auschwitz choosing life in "Man's search for meaning" kept me alive earlier this year. Sending love.

[@UpFromUnder6]

@@jgilbertson636 Thank you. May I ask you how did you cope? I cry daily from the excruciating pain. I just don’t see a future for me. I believe in Dr. Kovorkian. We euthanize our pets when their time is up. Btw, I’m vegan bc the animal industry is horrific! I haven’t been able to drive in over a year now. I feel like I lost my independence. My husband is wonderful to me. I really just have no hope. I wouldn’t ever wish this pain on anyone. 😭😭😭😭 Plus, our daughter is in a very manipulative relationship. He’s 25 and never worked a day in his life and won’t learn how to drive. After sending her to an expensive college (our fault) she moved to another state to be w/him. She’s working at the same job since age 16! She has anxiety and he doesn’t understand. Wasted money. He’s now going to law school which is a joke! Our son has severe OCD’s, anxiety and he’s scared to drive bc his good friend in high school died while driving. I won’t go into specifics. There’s more garbage in this, too. Parents are dead and I cut all ties with my toxic siblings. I was abused in every way possible by everyone in that family. I’ll check out those books. I used to love gardening, reading, taking our dogs walking, nature. Now I’ve become a burden.

[@jgilbertson636]

@@UpFromUnder6 I don't know what to say. I cope by doing trauma therapy. Only have been able to afford it very recently. Getting to the root of the pain. Stored unresolved trauma = pain in the body. Reading books like "the body keeps the score" and "when the body says no". I have a wonderful husband too. But the suffering to too deep to be comforted. I stay alive so that my husband doesn't suffer as I don't want to transfer pain and trauma to him.

[@dobbsm4975]

Doug is Richard taking meds? He mentioned it but wonder if he is still taking them.

[@richardfarrell6098]

I currently take Mirtazapine, 15mg. At night, mostly for sleep. It it also helps a great deal with my anxiety and depression.

[@ttephi3667]

@@richardfarrell6098 Thank you Richard. Your 'testimony' was really uplifting and inspired hope. You are such a lovely person.

[@richardfarrell6098]

@@ttephi3667 you are so very welcome

[@ttephi3667]

@@richardfarrell6098 😊

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

Hey Doug how are you doing these days?

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm doing OK. I'm coping with the number of health challenges

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

@@DouglasBloch what kind of issues?

[@shagitbaybe]

How are you doing these days?

[@DouglasBloch]

Ever since my knee replacement surgery at the end of February, I’ve been battling, insomnia, anxiety. Fortunately, things are improving.

[@shagitbaybe]

Thats awesome! Glad to hear things are getting better :D

[@benjameme]

For a year? For heavens sake, try ten or twenty years.

[@lorenheard2561]

Great joke!!🤣❤️

[@Gumsheils]

It's uncool for me to write this but repent everyone, great economic depression is coming soon. Daniel 12 and Isaiah 24. It's an evil world don't be part of it. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:36). Jesus returns on day of crash. I pray you all will escape with him.

[@ttephi3667]

What crash?

[@Gumsheils]

@@ttephi3667 the great economic depression that is right around the corner. All the debt in the system will cause currency collapses. Economists are warning about it. I think even the world economic forum predicted a great depression coming.

[@ttephi3667]

@@Gumsheils Thank you.

[@Gumsheils]

@@ttephi3667 If you look up Peter Schiff or Epic Economist etc. on KZbin you will see they are predicting it. So when will it happen? No man knows the day or the hour, but it's very soon.

[@robinr5669]

Delusions take many forms.

[@lindadobson9854]

God tells us to pray ONLY to HIM.........not even to Jesus....who himself prayed to his father in heaven.....and only thru Jesus will our prayers be heard....read your bibles.

[@Gumsheils]

Very well said.we are supposed to pray to God (alone) and ask our prayers in Jesus name. Have you heard of Christadelphian's they teach this, that is how I know.

[@doreen1289]

Not a fan of dr or rx.. diet, community, exercise. Sun.