On today's episode I sit down with Derek Hellender who is sharing for the first time publicly about his struggle with alcohol. Derek shares that from the outside looking in his life looked successful, he had a career, a great social life and faced the typical issues that most twenty somethings did. On the inside he was miserable. Drinking to cope with anxiety and depression led to increased consumption and the feeling of living a double life. Derek shares why the stigma of asking for help kept him in the dark for so long. Listen in as he walks us through the agony of hitting rock bottom and the joy and hope he lives with today. 

Derek is the manager for a portfolio of homeowners' associations throughout the East Bay.  He loves cooking, plays a number of instruments and loves recording music alone or with friends, is an avid golfer, and enjoys running.  He is a dedicated "dog dad," and is engaged to an amazing woman he is ecstatic to be marrying in September.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

AMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.