After losing his mother, Charles’ anxiety and depression spiraled. Can you Lend a Hand?

Abington: Charles Marcelonis has always had to deal with anxiety and depression. But after his mom passed away about four years ago, things got really tough for him. He was living on his own and juggling odd jobs, but losing his mom turned his world upside down.

He moved in with his dad and grandparents, trying to find some stability. Charles described how he would feel this intense panic whenever he left his house, like a countdown clock was ticking down. It was rough.

Luckily, he found a supportive community at Discovery Day, a group therapy program run by Aspire Health Alliance in Braintree. This place has been a game-changer for him. With the help of others, he’s learned a lot about himself and how to connect with people again.

Through all the pain, he’s discovered a new strength. He even shared a beautiful thought about grief: “Grief is love with nowhere to go.” It’s a heavy feeling, especially around the holidays, but he’s learned to embrace it rather than fear it.

It took him over three years to get to this point. Before joining Discovery Day, even a simple trip to the grocery store would send him into a spiral of anxiety. He felt like everyone was judging him. Now, he’s learned to challenge those thoughts and see things more clearly.

Recently, he stepped out of his comfort zone and volunteered at a holiday craft fair. He was chatting with people and enjoying himself, which is a huge change from how he used to be.

Charles dreams of a career in mental health, wanting to help others who are struggling like he did. He knows it’ll take some schooling and hard work, but he’s ready for it.

He ended the interview with a powerful message: “It’s never too late to seek support. It is not a weakness to seek support either. Actually, it is a sign of strength.”

If you want to help people like Charles, consider donating to Lend a Hand. Your support can make a real difference in someone’s life.