For special guest, Tonya Ware, her depression came after she collapsed, was declared dead and was revived; only to find out that she was declared totally disabled at the young age of 38.
Tonya lived in a cloud of depression for more than six years. She got to a point where taking her own life seemed like the best option, even though she had a family who loved and supported her.
What was her saving grace?
It was actually something said in an interview by rapper, actor and entrepreneur, LL Cool J: "Dreams don't have deadlines."
That was the spark Tonya needed to start digging herself out of her depression.
Since then, Tonya has refined seven steps she believes can help you or anyone else who is suffering:
- The power of a positive phrase. When deeply depressed, your perception becomes skewed and negativity is all around.
- A good cry. A bad cry can make you feel even more sad. But a good cry, one where you allow yourself to grieve and then let that grief go, can really turn your life around.
- Laughter is medicine, even if you have to "pretend" to laugh at first.
- Power of singing. You don't need to be good, either. Singing releases worry and puts a smile on your face.
- A body in motion (dance, exercise, run, better posture) promotes healthy emotion.
- The right to reject the thoughts, words, or people who bring you sadness and pain. Reject, release and refocus.
- Serving others. Sometimes you need to take a break from what's going on in your own life and help others that are in need.
In December 2006, Tonya Ware woke up early to prepare for work and suddenly collapsed and died. After reviving, she begin a series of tests, exams, and doctor appointments that declared her totally disabled.