The Truth About Me (Surviving Depression & Addiction)

Came over for more of your story after watching the shortened version. Our stories are not dissimilar and I think we are not too far apart in age. One of the very important improvements in mental health care from my perspective is the development of CPTSD as a working clinical diagnosis. Living through consistent, constant, or both, childhood trauma can indeed lead to a trauma disorder. It is not uncommon for a childhood trauma survivor to develop fixated behaviors (like obsessive collecting; becoming really, really, really into a musician) as a coping mechanism and to later on develop substance abuse and misuse issues. Depression and anxiety are parts of everyday life for children in chaotic households. Life can be especially painful for kids whose households look "normal" or functional from the outside. When outsiders see the family as doing well and we as children know the truth, we spend our energy working to be sure no one finds out the truth and trying to make the public perception come true, all while assuming it is somehow our fault or within our power to fix. I fully credit the constant presence of God for me being still alive today and mostly sane. Thank you for sharing your testimony and I hope that sharing your narrative gives you peace. I also hope that whoever might need to hear your story will find your video. 🕊️

Amazing redemption story. Thank you so much for sharing it Jon. All glory to God ☝️❤️

Thank you for sharing this Jon...I think you'll be helping lots of people with this.

Jon, I’m very moved by your testimony and openness. You are a blessing to me. Thank you!

Jon, you and I are about the same age. I grew up with and alcoholic father, and felt the anger, embarrassment, and shame that you expressed. I also happened to be a massive Elton John fan and became a musician because of it. I still play guitar and piano. My spiritual journey has been long and, at times arduous, but I am with God now and I feel incredibly blessed. Thanks for sharing your story. Whether you realized it or not, you are witnessing. Love your channel. Keep doing your thing. God bless.

…and I thought I was just watching a musician discussing 70’s Elton John records. That was a soul-wrenching story, and as fellow believer I know the fight you contend with. I wish we could discuss these things together someday as some of it applies to me to. Thank you JB for putting this out and having the faith it would be used for a righteous and loving cause, as it so definitely has.

You have lived an incredible life with every up and down imaginable . Glad you are at peace given all that went before. Thanks for sharing your story.

Mad respect for putting yourself out there and sharing your experience. You may have saved some lives! Thank you Jon!

Man ... I ... I love your spirit! Praise God!

While I was on my computer, I was listening to your commentary and was immediately intrigued. After about 20 minutes in, I just laid down on the couch and just listened, barely watching the video. It didn't feel like 1.5 hours You just stated what happened, without sounding "preachy". I'm assuming you and your wife are still separated? That was hard to hear. I first saw that you had done Elton vids(every one of them are great). Just started watching your channel maybe early Aug. Saw your McCartney vids and was glad to see your Jaws/Star War obsession vids. I'm reliving my childhood and it feels great (I'm 55). I'm still going thru your vids and having a FUN time!

Jon; As usual this was nicely-done: it was very well put together, and an honest, moving testimony to a sometimes brutal-yet-blessed life of faith and hope still in production… Hope that your July 4th was a good one full-of the gratitude it so deserves…

I will soon buy your music. Can't wait to hear your works

This speaks to me. Thank you Jon.

Your voice brings peace w/in your entwined, tumult life's story. I can, do, identify BUT not experiencing depression. I am in yr 24 of lyme disease. I lost just about everything [not my home & income & mindfulness] but seeing people all fall so so short of the caring I would have extended to them. To the reality that only Jesus/God can be trusted. As you did, God shows me that He knows me, and can be depended upon. ... In the midst of it all, I laugh and say to only myself; "I wonder what is next & how He will show up w/in IT ALL. ... Thankx [oh ya, I was drawn to Nigel Olsson's tender effort w/in those drums too]

Thank you for sharing. Some of it is hard for me to hear because of similar feelings and experiences. I empathize and feel you, I applaud your character and willingness to be honest and candid. I lost a daughter to this disease and it tore me apart too. I am here because of the love and kindness of others. There's a line in a Rolling Stone's song 'Waiting for a friend.' .....' A smile relieves the heart that grieves.' It is true, and I give all of you my smiles, love and positive vibes. Keep on keepin' on....

This is a long one! I actually just watched Bernie get inducted into Hall of Fame for first time. Amazing how are values change. Although I'm a prodigious artist writing is the thing I perhaps value most. I'm keeping this under wraps, (for now). Hope your studio sessions bring everyone joy. Looking forward to Elton and Bernie's next LP. I believe it's gonna be spiritual and beckon to freshman years. If you would like I'll share with you my Nothing Poem written on Resurrection Eve,1985. Solomon's Ecclesiastes was the impetus. Bernie seemed happy and content.

Congrats on your healing.

Thanks for this. It means something to me.

Amazing video. Thank you for sharing your story!

I am simply in awe of the wonder and goodness of our God! Thank you, Jon, for sharing your life with us. I have a friend who needs to see your story—I will share it with her soon.