When visual artist and Director of Communications for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, Carson Samson, looks back on his journey through anxiety and depression, he describes it as a long process of learning, unlearning, and reframing.
For years, Carson lived with anxiety without realizing it. “Your normal is your normal,” he says. However, in 2018, a demanding new role and over 100 days of travel began to take their toll. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and with it, isolation that forced him to confront his mental health.
“It became abundantly clear something wasn’t right,” he recalls. Negative thoughts, sleepless nights, and self-criticism became daily battles. Eventually, he opened up to his family, sought medical help, and began therapy. Over time, through small steps, the right medication, professional guidance, rest, and self-awareness, he was able to heal.
“It wasn’t one big change,” Carson explains, “but small and medium ones that made life brighter.”His recovery also meant learning to “reframe,” to replace harsh self-talk with compassion. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, he practices gratitude for what went right.
“If I only finish two tasks today,” he says, “I remind myself that those were the hardest two.”Carson believes vulnerability is strength. Citing both Brené Brown and scripture, he says, “When I’m weak, I’m strong.” He encourages others to seek help and reject the illusion of isolation. “No one wants to feel this way,” he says. “And no one who’s asked for help will be turned away.”
Through honesty, community, and kindness, both to ourselves and others, Carson reminds us that even in darkness, the light is never far away.
– Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural
