Eli's Story

ELI BROWN IS THE FOUNDER OF SHINE THE LIGHT ON. THIS IS HIS STORY.

Shine The Light On (STLO) from Shine The Light On (STLO) on Vimeo.

From the outside, my life looked perfect. I was in college, playing tennis in the NCAA, surrounded by friends, coaches, and peers. I’d checked all the right boxes and yet I was struggling with depression and anxiety. I knew something was wrong, but I stayed silent. 

 For years I struggled alone. I was sure that no one would understand. I lived in a perpetual state of fear; fear of judgment, fear of alienation and fear that I was permanently damaged. I thought asking for help would make me seem weak, but it was only through reaching out that I began to recover. My struggles were a part of me, but they didn’t defy me. I realized that recovery was possible and that through a willingness to be vulnerable there was a way through. 

Today, I feel like I’ve been given a second chance. I’m living life in a way I never thought possible. Having come through the other side I feel compelled to carry the message forward. I want to end the shame and stigma that causes people to suffer in silence. It’s my hope that through advocacy, education, and outreach we can start a conversation, create a platform and ultimately shine a light on mental health.

Eli Brown
Toronto 2020