Frequently Asked Questions
What is a general idea of how it felt for you to be depressed?
People often believe that I am the eternal optimist and always happy. Depression to me felt as if someone pushed the generally always happy me out of my body and replaced it with an incredibly sad, sullen and hopeless person who contemplated taking his own life on a daily basis.
How does it feel to be anxious and suffer from anxiety?
It feels like the world around you is falling apart and that you can’t control it. It also feels as if you ALWAYS need to be doing something and you can’t sit back, relax and do something as simple as enjoy life.Â
I twice have had anxiety attacks, which simply put, make you feel as if you’re having a heart attack or even dying.
How do you control your depression and anxiety?
Aside from talk therapy and anti-depressants, I pray the Rosary daily, pray in general daily, and try to attend daily Mass when possible. Furthermore, I use the Hallow and Calm app, both which have helped me to learn how to breathe deeply, engage in a greater prayer life and to focus on the present. Even though I am blessed to have control of both depression and anxiety, I still engage in these same methods to help me stay the course and not revert back to a depressed or anxious state.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to laugh. I also love to make others laugh and smile. I see it as an investment in the energy produced between two people. I’m totally not afraid to make a fool of myself to help others laugh or smile. Friends will sometimes say that I am “the funniest person that I know.” 🙂
I also enjoy coaching and playing sports, in particular soccer. Obviously I love to hang out with my wife, our pups, my parents, my niece, and my friends. Also, anytime I get to travel is always a great time.Â
During COVID I started to appreciate cooking. I bought a grill and love to grill, and cook in general, when the opportunity arises.
Do you have any favorite TV shows?
The Chosen; The Office; Parks & Recreation; Will & Grace; Community; ALF (yes, I did just say ALF!); Downton Abbey; watching sports, but in particular soccer, football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.
How do you decompress?
I love to travel. Near where I live, there are some wonderful places to travel to essentially get away from it all. Lancaster County is beautiful. The Poconos in general also has some great locations. I love to go to Catholic Shrines, and I strongly recommend them to anyone looking to get away from it all. You don’t have to be Catholic or even Christian for that matter, in order to go. But there is a peacefulness and calmness at Shrines that I’ve never experienced elsewhere. Even sitting with my pups on the recliner and listening to some relaxing music or watching comedies is also a great way to relax.
Seeing that you are Catholic, do you have any favorite Saints?
Padre Pio, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Dymphna; St. Benedict; St. Sharbel; St. Oscar Romero; St. Mother Teresa
How can I reach out to you to speak with my school, organization, team, church, business, etc.?
Please drop me an e-mail at: jimshoopack@gmail.com and please put “Speaker” in the subject line.
What’s the best advice you could give to someone who is hesitant to go to see their primary care physician about being depressed/anxious?
Doctors, nurses, therapists have all been trained to work with people who are struggling with their mental health. Trust me, you will not be the first person they have ever worked with who has struggled with their mental health, and you most certainly won’t be the last. I know it can be a challenge and you may even be nervous or scared to go to see a professional. I felt that way too the first time I went through depression. But once you go to see the doctor, nurse and/or therapist, you will most likely feel a huge weight off your shoulders that you are taking the first step toward getting the help you need, and getting back to the best version of yourself. God bless!