A dark companion walks beside us.  He whispers that we are worthless, that no one cares, that our life is meaningless, a burden, who would be better off dead.  At any given time this unwanted presence shadows more than 50-million Americans and is a leading cause of suicide.  We spend more than $200-billion each year to evict him, purge him, eradicate him yet he only grows  stronger.  

Like the Devil, his biggest accomplishment is convincing millions of us that he doesn't even exist.  Instead of seeing this disease, they see a lack of willpower, laziness, and a poor attitude.  Yet, he is as real as the grave.  

still, there are those brave souls who battle this creature and have come close to death doing so.  They have seen his shadow as they look in the mirror and vow to exorcise him.  They unite with others, kindred spirits, who give strength to each other.  And, as they move forward, they reach back to take the hands of those who also suffer.

Leroy Stockero has been at war with this silent killer since he was thirteen-years-old.  Many times he has fallen in defeat only to rise again in defiance and the purpose to keep moving forward.  In his episode of ”The Art of Being You,” Leroy will reveal his battle scars while showing us that life is worth fighting for.