He was struggling with depression. A therapist said just the right thing : NPR

The following story contains references to suicide.

This story is part of the Hidden Brain team’s “My Unsung Hero” series, featuring stories of people who have left a lasting impression on others through their kindness.

Will Davenport was in a dark place in the fall of 2014. He had just lost a job he loved, and his mental state was beginning to fall apart.

“I remember having these self-defeating thoughts that I must have done something terrible to lose that job. Become familiar “Losing that job is awful,” Davenport said.

By the end of December, he had attempted suicide and was admitted to an inpatient psychiatric program.

“I remember going for days and weeks not feeling like I was making any progress,” Davenport said, “so in between therapy sessions and other activities I would just walk laps around this locked unit.”

One day, as he was making his usual rounds around the facility, he noticed one of the therapists, I think her name was Yvette, walking towards the community room.

“She gave me a wry smile, looked at me and said, ‘I think I’m going to go first to the community room,'” Davenport recalled. “And somehow, that little act sparked something in me, and I didn’t want to lose.”

For the first time in months, Davenport felt like he had a purpose. He sprinted, raced her to his room, and won. He was surprised, and for the first time in a long time, filled with hope.

“I remember attending a therapy session she led shortly thereafter and feeling like a spark of life had been ignited within me by her simple act,” Davenport said.

With the help of his therapist, Davenport said, he wanted to live again — and not just live, but live well.

“I’m so grateful for that little act and so many other things she did.”

Now the founder of a leadership consulting firm that helps people remove psychological barriers to being more effective at work, Davenport says that after years of working to improve his mental health, he now loves where he is.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call 988 for help.

My Unsung Hero is also a podcast — New episodes are released every Tuesday. To share your unsung hero story with the Hidden Brain team, record a voice note on your phone and send it to [email protected].