The way depression is diagnosed, with a questionnaire about your feelings and behaviors and their durations, is not as perspicuous as, say, a blood test for diabetes. There’s no way of knowing that you’re in need of medication until you give it a go and see if it helps with symptoms.

Karina brings fresh ideas, great energy, and a creative edge (she even plays guitar!) Read on to find out more about Karina…

Between teeing off and putting on the green, I was always in the deep stuff. And now, standing on this perfect, short grass? It felt weird. Too clean. Too open. I could see my ball clearly. I knew I shouldn’t use my usual “rough swing” because that would tear up the fairway, and I didn’t want to ruin it for the next person. But now I have no excuses. I couldn’t say, “Well, I could barely see my ball,” or “Those trees were in the way.” It was just me, the ball, and wide-open space. 

There’s something about scanning a riverbank or sifting through gravel that slows my mind and pulls me back into my body. A rocky beach gives my brain something better…

This might look like intentional connection with someone who seems out of place in the group. It might mean asking about something specific rather than the usual “How are you?” It could be offering a genuine welcome, letting them know you’re glad to see them or that you’re looking forward to being with them. It might take the form of a heartfelt compliment. Or even just a smile.

We gather in person, around a real table to create space for honest conversation, healing, connection, reflection, and sometimes even laughter and tears.  It’s not a class. It’s not a lecture. It’s something softer, deeper, and more connected. It’s a space we co-create every time we show up.

A new dad with a passion for nature, art, music, and lifelong learning, Lucas brings a wealth of knowledge and peer support experience to the job.

No art skills required. No judges with clipboards. Just your creativity on our walls and a chance to win something useful.

Part of me almost wants something to be wrong in these moments. At least then there’d be an explanation. At least I could take action. I could move past the dread and deal with the actual Thing, because whatever it is, I’ve already played out a thousand scenarios. But this time, I couldn’t find anything. No reason. No cause. I checked on all my people, pets, and places. Everything seemed a-okay. I ran through my mental to-do list. There were things hanging out there, sure, but nothing critical or life-altering. 

I asked my friends at At The Roots to share the books that have helped them in their recovery journeys. What I got was a diverse list of amazing suggestions. In true At The Roots fashion, there’s not just self-help here - you’ll find wisdom, meaning, and powerful storytelling.