Depression and Disability, the Real Reality

New York - New York, USA February 27, 2004 Calgary - AB, Canada -- For those of us that have been hit by a disability we understand the loss of freedom, the loss of independence, the loss of what we use to do and the reality of what we can do now. For most of us it causes a depression second to nothing we have ever experienced.

There seems to be a stigma attached to someone with a disability. Llano Gorman knows this far to well. Mr Gorman had a major accident when he was thirty years old. He was on a ladder, the ladder broke he crashed down breaking his tibia, fibula causing a spiral fracture and blowing out his ankle. Gorman at that time had an active family life with three great kids (all below the age of ten) and an understanding wife. This accident caused depression not just in him but his whole family. Gorman puts it this way … “you never think this could ever happen to you, in a split second your life changes. You find out who you are, and what you are made of.”

Some of the depression came from having to walk with a cane. Gorman was an accomplished athlete, Football, Soccer, Archery, and even Martial Arts. He wanted his kids to be in that world. This tore him apart. Due to the injury, Gorman's right ankle has been fused and he walks with the aid of a special support in his boot. He didn't want to use a cane, but his doctor warned him of the consequences.
"My doctor said hip surgery would be next if I didn't start using a cane," Gorman recalls. "Walking unaided when a cane is medically warranted can prolong an injury, and in some cases, make the injury worse."

In the mist of all the depression, the pain and the loss, Gorman came up with an idea that would help his family and himself. It would even make him feel that he was helping others deal with their injury. Llano hated using his cane because it was so... Medical. He saw an instant opportunity. He set up a Web site, CanesCanada.com ™, and began sourcing, importing and selling a wide variety of canes and walking sticks. And don't simply think of a cane as a wooden stick with a crook for a handle. He has sticks that convert to Fishing Rods, Pool Que, Elegant Silver Canes, Canes with stones. You name it.. he just might have it.

Llano still has his times of Depression, however he has regained his life. He is moving forward. His Company is now two years old and he thinks it just might make a profit next year. If you wish to visit with him you can find him on the net www.canescanada.com or you can phone him toll free at 1-866-217-8091. One of his favourite sayings is “Walk with a Smile, and Walk with Style.™” His family is growing up and things are moving along. Far better than when he almost took his life.

Depression and Disability is a reality, however we can all learn a lesson. Helping others can help you take your eyes off of your disability and your depression. It will also make you some great new friends and help you regain your dignity and your life.

For information about the Beck Depresson Inventory, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/beckdepressioninventory/