The Worst Is Just a New Beginning In Disguise

BY MARGARET STUTT

In 2012, my worst nightmare came true: I was diagnosed with a mental health condition. I endured a difficult inpatient treatment and recall the doctor telling my parents that I may never work again. At that time, it seemed feasible that I would be on disability for life. Receiving my diagnosis felt like an ostracizing sentence of societal failure and misery. I was embarrassed and ashamed of the condition, and resistant to the idea that I would be on medication for life. Facing this reality, I fell into severe clinical depression and, at the age of 29, was thoroughly convinced that my best days were behind me. 

But none of that was true. In fact, it took less than five years to get back on my feet and feel like myself again with the critical support of family, friends, therapy, medication, exercise and the blessing of time passing. It required acceptance, a firm dedication to the hope of tomorrow, daily adherence, and trust that it’s possible to build a meaningful life grounded in self-care. I moved to a new city, learned to appreciate a slower pace, developed a rich support network, and with it a new life philosophy rooted in gratitude and mindfulness.

These personal practices led to a career path in Donor Relations, where it is now my job to convey thoughtful, sincere messages of gratitude and impact. Five years after my lowest point, I am proud to prove the doctors wrong. Not only am I working (at the world’s leading public university, no less), but I have received several promotions and industry awards. Never underestimate your potential, even when it seems like you’re stuck at a dead-end and everything is lost. That dead-end is just a beginning in disguise. Just take one small step, and then the next…

A diagnosis could, in fact, be the beginning of a more sustainable life. I, like hundreds of The Stability Network Leaders, are living proof that recovery is possible and that a diagnosis does not need to be an anvil that sinks the whole ship. Actually, it can be the thread that patches your sails so you can navigate new horizons. It can be the catalyst for developing resiliency, grit, and compassion. It can motivate us to prioritize well-being in our lives—supporting our friends, family, and colleagues in that effort as well. Because I am more aware of my needs and tools available, I have found that I can be a resource of support for others when they are struggling.

There is no shame in my story. It has brought me strength and awareness. If I could tell anything to my past self, it would be to never give up. I never in a million years would have guessed I’d be living the life I lead today. Not that my life is glamorous, but it feels grounded, purposeful, and supported. So whatever challenge you are faced with in life, whether it is a difficult diagnosis, maybe a divorce, job layoff, or some other seemingly final dead-end, consider this: as painful as it is, and despite what other people say, today very well may be the beginning of a life with more understanding, meaning and rooted stability. Each day, each breath, is a beginning. So find your support, be grateful for the small wonders, and keep starting over. There are so many of us, all around the world, who are doing the same and right there with you.

As a recording artist and philanthropy professional, Margaret Stutt values storytelling as a means for empowering others. With a career and spiritual practice anchored in gratitude, her goal is to use her voice to foster connection, hope, and a sense in an individual’s potential to make a difference in the world. She credits her involuntary psychiatric hospitalization and diagnosis as being the “reset button” that provided her with the self-knowledge and tools to live a more fulfilling life. “Hitting rock bottom is one of the best things that happened to me. Yes, it was extraordinarily painful and requires ongoing vigilance, but it also catalyzed profound growth and an appreciation for small wonders. Receiving a diagnosis better positioned me to thrive and accomplish my goals.”