You may not realize this, but this may very well be the most important video you've ever made. There's a good possibility that you will save someone's life as a result of making this. Thank you, Shannon, and God bless.

Hopefully, life isn't beating you down, Shannon. We appreciate you so damn much.

You talking about your experiences is helping people with struggles of there own :)

I am 25 years old from New Jersey, not necessarily hockey country out here... But my father and I are die hard flyers fan. He passed away 9 months ago and I lost the only other wise hockey voice in my life. Finding you and your channels has been such a blessing to me and my brothers. Keep up the great work, it's paying off! Much love from New jersey

Happy you talked about this. Lost my buddy last weekend to suicide and more men need to talk about this and not be scarred to talk about our feelings

This is extremely important. So much of life is forced toxic positivity, it's so key to stay grounded and take the ups and downs

I really needed this Shannon, had me in tears. My life is in an absolute hole right now. I’m so alone, but all I do isolate myself. Your hockey content helps me, but yeah, it’s not enough. I don’t know where to start, but I know need to start somewhere. Probably eating something today. Thank you so much for being a beacon of positivity in this often negative world that we live in.

May 19th will be 4 years since my sisters suicide. Since then, after slowly getting back up and dusting what's left of me off, I have noticed that I'm way more in tune and aware of my fellow humans around me. Everyone is worth it, sometimes we have to help remind them. I couldn't for my sister. So I will for others. Love you Shannon.

As someone who has battled major depression since being bullied from age 3 onwards, the only thing I can say is an extremely heartful thank you!

Not sure what the appropriate response is to show appreciation for this video, but I hope everyone who finds your channels gets to know your passion, and then somehow finds this video. Hope it’s the most viewed and reviewed video you ever make.

We love you, Shannon 💛

My Mom abused us and left us. My dad spent everything he had to get us back, and thankfully we live with our grandma now. It was such a hard journey of abuse and hardships and lies and her threatening to kill my Dad. Later, when we were living with my Dad, my Dad got brain cancer. He is battling with it ever since, he was given a year to live. It has nearly been 4 years, but today we find out if a potential new treatement can work. Please pray for us, Shannon thank you for making this video. I’m going through some relationship problems right now too, and this is very helpful.

“I'm a broken individual.” That just hits me like a Raffi Torres check. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this, a real help. Thank You, Shannon, you are so much more than just a hockey guy.

My boyfriend lost his best friend to suicide in 2020. He sent me this video, telling me how the only thing got him through that time was watching hockey and listening to your reviews. Thank you so much for speaking out, you are saving lives!

I also suffer from depression, anxiety, and have recently been diagnosed ADHD at 41 years old (actually a blessing). I'm a fellow Canucks fan and so is my Dad. I moved across the country and this youtube channel is something that we bond over. Keep up the good fight and quality content.

Thank you for this Shannon. I struggle very hard, I know how all that feels.

For a person who has dealt with anxiety and depression, this hits home. Thanks for sharing Shannon. Much respect and wish you well

Thank you for having the strength and courage to talk about this!! I am 65 and have dealt with this issue all my life. Feeling alone and out of place in the world can be one of the hardest mental conditions. My story is very similar to your's but I won't go into that now. The more people talk about it openly and honestly like you just did the more we can help others! I came across you on KZfaq about a year ago and I have be a regular watcher since then. Finding someone who shares my passion for hockey has be wonderful. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Thoughts and prayers for your friend that is now gone and for everyone out there.

2 of my dogs crossed the rainbow bridge in the past 8 months due to cancer and it's been tough since. One had osteosarcoma that spread to his spine. The other had a glioma brain tumor. Been tough the past 10 months. We all have our struggles, thanks for sharing!

As someone who's been dealing with depression for most of my life (turning 34 soon), this is so important. I recently had a pretty huge setback with my mental health and I'm back on meds and trying to keep it together. It's hard every day right now, but I have people who check in. Who care. And I want to thank you so much for doing those hockey videos - especially on the days when I don't have the energy to watch a game (even though I love it). It helps. You're such a friendly voice and personality. I appreciate you.

You're a huge boon to the Hockey Community, Shannon. even if many of us are just text on a computer screen to you, we all appreciate what you do for hockey fans. It's becoming tougher and tougher to find unbiased hockey coveraged. Your content feels genuine and accurate. I've gone through depressive phases myself. Post-pandemic I've felt like my anxiety spikes more often than it used to.

This type of content is why you have such a huge and loyal following. Other Content creators would never come out with a video like this or let their fans see this personal side of them. You are prob the most honest and kind KZfaqr on the platform. And the favor goes both ways, we always have your best of interest in mind. If you ever need us as fans to talk to you can let any one of us know.

Guys like you and Rick Beato (music) are an inspiration. Hard to imagine you guys were complete unknowns five years ago. Now, here you are. Thank God.

As a fan of “TheHockeyGuy” of 2.5 NHL seasons this is the first time I am seeing you behind the facade and as Shannon. It’s sobering hear that actual life happens to those we see through a screen and comforting to know we all have our human side. Keep fighting the good fight and keep your smile up brother.

Thank you for speaking out Shannon. I have an illness that has stress & depression as symptoms. These symptoms are always there in the background. I would like to quote a few lines from a monologue at the end of the song "Hi Ren" by Ren which sums up my battle with mental illness: There are no real winners and no real losers in psychological warfare, There were victims and there were students, It wasn't David versus Goliath, It was a pendulum, eternally swaying from the dark to the light, And more intensely the light shone, the darker the shadow it cast. "Hi Ren" is a wonderful piece of prose, using the medium of song, about the battle with mental illness from the prospective of a musician/lyricist. This song has helped me better understand the symptoms of my illness.

Thanks for this. I feel like I needed to hear someone talk about their issues. I’m not sure if anyone will read this, but this week has been a nightmare. I love my wife, love my kids, and hate myself. I was in a dark place this week, I cut off all my hair, drank more than I have in a long time…I have a good job and by all means shouldn’t be unhappy, but I’ve struggled with my life ever since I watched my mom slowly die over 10 years when I was a kid. She passed when I was 15. I was alone. I still feel alone. No matter what I do, I still feel that way. Anxiety, post traumatic stress, nightmares, that stuff never goes away. Thanks for everything you do Shannon. I appreciate you putting yourself out there. You gave me the courage to put myself out there, even just here in the comments…

Love the down to earth videos you put out sometimes. I've always been a huge fan of your videos, Shannon. You have such a charming, professional, and insightful way of presenting your videos. We're always here to support you, buddy. Hope to see you around in Van! Finished watching the video. Wow, I relate to you so much in terms of growing up, relationships, adulthood struggles, loneliness, etc. Huge respect to you, Shannon.

As a 19 year old kid that plays hockey you making this video makes me feel better, having going through a lot of the same shit as you. I just know that if I was your age and I found myself making a KZfaq channel like you, building a great community of people with the same interest like you have, that would make my life feel fulfilled. I hope it makes your life feel that way too, because you should be proud. Hope you get out of it bud ❤️

Thank you Shannon for being open and honest. I’m going through it right now and hearing this kind of support is really helpful

Thank you Shannon, for this video. I’m someone who has dealt with extreme depression from when I was 9 up to now at 25. It felt so cathartic tonight hearing you speak on this, as I’ve been struggling a lot lately, moving to a new place and struggling to make friends and like you touched on in your life near my age, wishing I had a girl in my life. I appreciate that you were just really real and didn’t stand on empty platitudes like a lot of people older than me have tried to. People always say, “life gets better.” And things definitely can. But sometimes they don’t. Sometimes you wake up again and again and life always stays the same and you have to try to find a way to go through the day, anyways. One thing I will also say, is that I’m so grateful to have discovered a love of hockey within the last several months, once Seattle got a team and I watched more, this year. I’m trying to learn more and more, watching clips of Gretzky, Lemieux, any player whose name I hear and is well-regarded. Love of hockey is something I’ve been able to cling to, and your videos never failing to show up on my KZfaq feed, has meant so much to me and helped me so much, and I’m extremely grateful to you for that, and I’m glad to know how you love making them, because me and so many others appreciate you so much for them. God Bless✝️❤️ -Sam

I think, like with cancer, we need a month raising money for those who need it and spreading awareness for mental health issues but the discussion surrounding it needs to last every day of every year. People's struggle doesn't take a day off, so neither should the rest of the world trying to be supportive. Thank you so much for being open of your experiences and struggles, and thank you for being a voice of support for those that need it. ❤

This is so true, I am 43 now and I have those days where I feel like I am not good enough for anyone. This video let me know that I'm not alone. Thank you Shannon.

We love you Shannon. Your voice has become so valuable to so many of us.

Shannon isn’t the hero we deserve, but he’s the one we need!!!

Thanks for the video, thanks for being part of the change! Hockey communities can be a big help. As long as you root for the right team, you will be accepted + more. And if you (your team) loses.... well, at least you are not alone. Love from Finland!

I'm scared for how terribly sports impact people's brains and how highly associated that is with depression and other cognitive issues. I love the competition so much, particularly hockey and football. But more and more, I have trouble justifying the cost as I am watching. Especially knowing how many thousands who never made it, yet still suffered enough blows to the head to cause lifelong damage. It has really hit home from dealing with a TBI from a car accident I was involved in, and seeing how it has changed my life and developed over the years. There is no prize worth that price. Absolutely nothing. Anyways, we're glad to have you around Shannon. Keep doing what you do and pulling through, and never stop trying to find ways to feel joy and fulfillment.

Shannon, i have watched you channel since i was 17, i am now 23, and I will say that your videos have helped me through my up and downs in life. I am very appreciative of your sharing your stories on depression, as I have had troubling times in my short life as well, so its comforting to hear others talk about it so openly. Hockey has always been that one thing that helps me get my mind off the bad things, and your videos have enlightened me to so much history, stats knowledge, and hockey trivia that I never knew i needed! With that, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! Sincerely, a hockey fan from Tennessee

Good for you Shannon! A lot of people with depression are afraid to ask for help. Sharing your experience has been so helpful. God bless

Thank you. I've been going through a lot and the voices in my head are telling me to end everything. It helps knowing someone else stood strong

Great video. Definitely talking about it is the best medicine. You just have to fight against it

It's still tough being Gen X or even Millennial and admitting to mental health issues. People still act like it's somehow "made up" or you're just "psyching yourself out". The old country remedies people offer are the most frustrating part - put this essential oil on your foot, eat eggs everyday, your Vitamin D is low, just 'go for a walk'. Thankfully these issues are becoming more accepted and there are viable treatments.

This needs to be seen by so many people. I love this and what this means. Share everywhere.

Thanks Shannon. I have fought Depression for as long as I can remember. Family history of Anxiety as well. I have Cerebral Palsy and I was bullied a lot as a kid. Also my mom was “you can tough this out” kind of parent. I had plenty of food and a house. But no one was there to emotionally protect me as a child. 15:09 I was in and out of therapy. Between the wrong fit of therapist and no money for therapy. I am a huge wrestling fan. I watch AEW and my favorite is Hangman Adam Page. His persona’s greatest enemy was himself. Anxiety and self medicating with alcohol. It was so grounded. Many started opening up about their mental health journeys. All because of a wrestler who had become a good guy that fans rallied around. For non fans, Hangman Page found friends and confidence. He put away the alcohol and was able to win The AEW Championship. Yeah wrestling is soap opera. But a well told story with investment is amazing. So when I finally had enough, I went to therapy after 20 years away. I had two reasons to. I love my niece and Hangman. If his persona could get better, so could I.

I saw the post about your friend/community member. I'm sorry for your loss. Thanks for doing what you do, Shannon.

Hands down the most genuine person on KZfaq. I respect you even more for doing a video like this. Keep doing what you’re doing my friend.

I appreciate you posting a video about this. I lost one of my closest friends during the holidays in 2019. There's a lot of things he's helped me with, and he got me into various games and genres of music as well as hook me up with finding the right computer for my needs and the like. It's been over four years, but I constantly think about him. There are times I'll find something cool or want to talk to him about something before I remember he isn't around anymore. People always avoid topics like this, so it's nice to see someone addressing how serious mental health is. I'm terribly sorry for the loss in both your hockey community, yourself, and his friends and family.

I have dealt with this sort of thing my entire life, didn't realize it until I was 15. I always describe it as "my brain is trying to kill me" and I have to constantly monitor my thoughts when it gets particularly bad. Keep fighting, everyone. It IS worth it. And so are you.

Your personable style and level headed approach to hockey is a breath of fresh air in the hockey community, where there's a lot of sensation and stats, but not always much depth. My friends don't watch hockey. They're friends because of other shared interests and they're my friends so I accept that, but it's nice to get some hockey talk online to fill that need in between talking hockey with another sports fan in person. Especially for those with a military background, you don't go too far without losing a few people you knew well to depression along the way. It certainly makes you choose your words with more care with people, especially when you get the feeling that they're near that edge, because you don't want to be the guy who gave them that little push when they needed to be built up. I completely agree with you about social media, as the mecca of the superficial. The more someone posts about how great their marriage and life is, the closer they are to the end of their marriage. Life isn't all puppies and kittens, but if you're lucky you can find enough good to get you to the end of where you're going.

You‘re showing so much character in speaking about this so openly. Thank you for this!

Must not be easy to discuss a topic like this but always appreciate these heart to hearts.

It’s the little things that hits you when they’re gone. The chair they usually sat in at lunch being empty. The water bottle they never finished that you’re almost afraid to move. The thing that makes you chuckle and you go to text to them but remember you can’t. I hope people who are in need reach out, but a lot of people don’t. I just ended a three year long relationship that I thought Was going to last forever, and like you people were telling me to get over her and start dating again the day after we broke up. People without depression can’t understand what it’s like. How having that attachment to someone can be heartbreaking when it’s gone in more ways than one. There are days like you said when you feel miserable. For me it just feels heavy. The whole world feels heavy and you wonder if it’s even worth it to get out of bed. Your channel is a labor of love, both of them are. And that’s one reason to get out of bed. Maybe in your own way, your recap of hockey cheered someone up enough that they had the energy to go to work or to tell their friends they weren’t alright. We never know what impact we have on people, we just try to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. In that regard never doubt yourself, because you’re doing this because you loved it first not because it was a job. It only became one because of your dedication. It’s appreciated, and this video is appreciated, in more ways than you’ll ever know by a lot of good folks. Keep at it friend

I’m part of the local community who lost a friend. I can personally say he was a good guy. Never raised his voice in anger even if someone was angry at him. Never made insults. Always came to meetups with a smile. He’ll be missed.

i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, watching your videos have truly changed my life. in a time now where i’m finding myself more depressed and sad and really trying to find myself, this video popped up at just the right time for me

Religion. As far back as I can remember I was not able to understand organized religion. As a child I knew all things had a spirit that should be honored and recognized. Religion otherwise was more like story time. Who knows where my thoughts come from. But I was essentially an animist from my first memories. I really began to have problems with depression after I started working in healthcare. I couldn't handle the suffering and pain I witnessed. I tried to turn to religion. Nothing made sense. Until I read some Buddhist teachings. We will always encounter suffering, and difficulties, we can only control or change how we respond to it. So, now I was a Buddhist animist. Being treated for depression is sometimes as bad as the depression itself. Meds are now first line treatment, because talk takes too long. And therapists are spread thinly on the ground, aren't they. I've had serious reactions to each of the 4 antidepressants I tried. It was a huge shock. Then CBT and ACT came around. I felt I was being brainwashed and castigated. I couldn't cope with that. It was worse than being depressed because I was still depressed, and now I was anxious, never knowing when I was going to be talking in class...only to be stopped and challenged on if I was perceiving things correctly, and couldn't I just think like this or like that. Why aren't I trying??? The thing was...I did try. A lot. But I couldn't function at all by delegitimizing my thoughts and feelings. Depression is a terrible thing.

While this video is old I find myself coming back to it often, depression is a topic that is often stigmatized especially in a community like hockey, so it’s nice to see a section of the community admit that they have the same problem I do

Please do more of these! This video was in my recommended, and I needed it. This was great!

Thank you for talking about this, it’s very important topic and I have also dealt with tough times also

I know very little about hockey being over here, but watching your videos Shannon have been an education to me. This video though for someone who has been suffering from his demons for more than 40 years is an absolute gem. That feeling of your not alone is sometimes the hardest thing to get over & understand, yet the last 17 mins have only enforced the feeling that outside the box their is always someone who can listen & will understand. Thank you for the video & opening up about something that so many people cannot talk about

Thank you for speaking up about this, especially because it’s not the first time. And thank you for sharing the link on THG channel to get even more eyes on it.

Automatically subbed, I've seen a few of your vids before and you pop up in my feed from time to time. This is a much needed video. You are very brave to come forward and bare all of this. Thank you for doing this!

I battle with depression too but thank God we have you to share your experience with us and , for me, helps me through the off-season! Love you man!

I'm only 23, but I've had way too many experiences with depression to believe it would ever go away, but it's strangely nice to hear someone I respect say it doesn't go away, but you can get through it. I really appreciate you putting this on the community tab for THG, I wouldn't have seen it otherwise.

I just recently went through a tough breakup. Your hockey channel and this channel though make me see the light every day. Thank you for that and for making this raw and vulnerable video. I couldn't be more grateful.

I appreciate you being so open. I'm willing to bet you're helping a lot of people by doing so. Much respect!

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Shannon. There's tons of us out there battling depression too. It's good when more men are open about this stuff too--we tend to try and "tough it out" and not ask for help. It's been great watching your two channels grow. Continued success AND good health to you.

This video couldn’t have come at a better time for me personally. Its always hard to keep pushing because sometimes you feel like you dont have that support. You are the best man and all of us appreciate you

Thanks for posting this, I for one needed it, Much love to you, I for one am really greatful that you make these videos. this one may be the best of them all.

So much respect and admiration for you just laying it all out for everyone like this. It’s very brave and it really helps me and I’m sure many others. Thank you, Shannon you’re a beautiful person.

Thank you for being so open about these things shannon, I sincerely hope you know that your content every day has become a tradition for me and your voice has been a very soothing calm in a big storm on multiple occasions and I know i'm not alone in feeling that way, thank you for everything you do and remember we are always here for you too should you ever need it ❤

Shannon, this video really hit me right in the feels. I recently got laid off from my dream job, it had been helping me cope with my depression and anxiety, and autism, and your videos have been a great escape. It's wonderful to hear someone like you with your platform and reach sharing your story. The more people who open up about their demons, the better off we'll all be

Man, what a great sincere video. I know personally some of the struggles you're talking about. I love your hockey channel and I just learned about this one. Great job.

Aye man, just started getting into hockey and you’re my fav hockey KZfaqr. Love the way you break down matchups, predictions, and players. Keep up your good work!

Thank you for all your work, Shannon. This is the best channel for hockey talk and kitties, two of my favourite things!

It’s a very courageous thing to talk about your own struggles mentally, much respect to you Shannon for not only this but for everything you do

Man, I can relate to everything you've spoke about. I continue to work on myself and in the past year and a half I have really been trying to get help and be more open because my cousin who was more like another brother took his own life and that put me in an incredibly dark place but seeing how it affected not only me but everyone is a constant reminder to keep fighting my voice is wrong and whether I realize or believe it people do care I've seen it first hand, how man people cared and loved my cousin, more than even we knew and my cousin couldn't see it and it hurts every day but I'm trying to make even the smallest positive out of it. I hope that made sense, its hard to really out into words but just felt like I should share.

Doing the work. Love to see it, it's hard, it's scary, it's so, so worth it. Thanks for this and being vulnerable enough to share. Much love to you and the community.

We are so lucky to have you! Cheers Shannon 🎉, have a nice day! You are part of my life every day. You are my go to guy for nhl news! God bless you!

Honestly, I’ve been going through a lot in my own personal life. It’s crazy how the universe works because I normally just watch your hockey videos and this video is what I needed right now. Not saying this saved my life or anything like that because in reality we take things one day at a time and see where it takes us. But this video did give me what I needed to keep going another day and for that, I appreciate you. Thanks.

Thank you for everything you do ❤ your channel helps a lot of people. When I get bad anxiety and depression I turn one of your videos on and help me a lot. We are here for you, Shannon. Huge fan and always will !!!

As someone who's very much in the same boat at age 29, thank you for making this video. I used to do a lot of things when I was younger that I very much miss and I'm trying to push myself back into them. Hockey being the main one. I played my entire childhood until I was 16 and always wanted to be a goalie, so I'm saving up for equipment! Got skates and pads already. Love your videos, Thanks again

Hey Shannon. I turn 25 in July. I’ve struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts since I was about 15. The last year has been pretty tough but I’m still goin. Thank you for putting out this video. I listen to your game reviews at work if I miss the game. The last couple days have been good as ive set the negative voice in my head aside and just let myself live. I think I’ll keep that going after seeing this and try not to stop

Sir, as someone who has dealt with all sorts of mental health issues, I can relate to you on so many levels. Happy that you are speaking out to everyone and of course being you. Cheers buddy, keep fighting the good fight!

Appreciate all that you do! Thank you for sharing this!

Just found this video and can relate to a lot of what you went through and still experience each day, especially at 15 for me and also 25 now. Kind of lost and just finding my way but thank you for making this and giving me more hope. Thank you for never giving up Shannon, I will not give up either 🙏🏻

Thank you for sharing something so personal Shannon !

Just a great video Shannon. Want to add my voice to the thousands of fans that appreciate all that you do. Speaking for myself, your videos always make my days better.

Thank you very much for this video. I've been watching The Hockey Guy channel for a few years and happened upon this. This video meant a lot to me.

Thanks for the work you do and the even-handed manner in which you present it. I enjoy your game reviews of all the hockey teams, even those of my hometown team when they lose (excessively so this season). In the off season I look forward to some fun reenactiments of great moments in hockey.

Thanks for sharing your story. It takes courage to be vulnerable in front of others.

I can relate ...alot. And thank you for opening up to us. It helps.

Shannon you’re an inspiration to us all. I’ve been there myself and it’s cool to see people I look up to share the same experiences I did. You rock man

Thank you for making such amazing content. Found my here today after following your hockey channel for some time now. You are just an absolutely well-rounded individual who gives me hope for humanity. The people like you are what we need more of today and I will try to spread your kindness and motivation. Thank you

All of what you're saying is incredibly relatable, especially the parts about self-fulfilling prophecies and pushing people away. I feel that 100%. Thank you for keeping it so real. 🤜🤛

I hope you realize the positive impact that you and your videos have on people. You are much appreciated. Hope all is well.

Thank you so much. You are a fantastic human being, and I am very grateful for you and what you bring to this website and all our lives!

Thank you very much for making and sharing this video !

Exercise is the greatest depression cure known to man..

We appreciate what you do Shannon! Thank you for opening up about this.

Beautiful stuff Shannon. So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Having someone who cares really can make all the difference. Heart grieves with you on that. Be well, and be blessed. Thanks for all you do 🙏🏻

Appreciate you sharing your story, Shannon. You are a quality individual and you give inspiration to those of us who struggle. 👍🏿