Encouraging others by letting them know I’ve made it: Meet @johnhans

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.

Rosemary: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? What motivates you to take part in the community?  

@johnhans: I joined in 2016 to get help with my depression.

Rosemary: What about Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and be open with the community?

@johnhans: I like the way members can be open with one another since we’re all people who share similar health conditions, and thus we understand what each other has gone through.

Rosemary: What groups do you participate in?

@johnhans: I have participated in the Neuropathy, Depression & Anxiety and Sleep Health groups.

Rosemary: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect. 

@johnhans: The one that is the most memorable for me is when someone asked for help for a teenager with depression. I was able to tell them about what has worked for me. It was a way for me to help someone else. I know that by sharing, I was able to let that person know they could make it through their difficult time. I wanted them to know that I had made it, and so could they.

Rosemary: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@johnhans: I was surprised by the number of people on Connect who have the same problems as I have. I feel like I’m not in the minority when I’m in the community.

Rosemary: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@johnhans: I have learned to listen to my body so I can decide what kind of balance I need. There are some things I can do with my energy level and mental state, and there are other things that need to wait till I’m doing better. An example might be to stop playing bingo with the other residents or delay doing cleaning. Due to my health problems, the only thing I can do is cut back so I can rest more.

Rosemary: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@johnhans: I like doing genealogy because it tells me what has gone into making me who I am. I have traced a number of my lines back to the 1600s or 1700s. I found out many of my ancestors had the same health problems as me. It is nice to know that others in my family have struggled with the same medical issues, but they still made it. It also allows me to see the progress medicine has made in treating some illnesses, making it much easier to live a normal life now.

Rosemary: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@johnhans: My personal quote I live by is from the Bible. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Rosemary: What food can you simply not resist?

@johnhans: Potato chips! If someone offers some them to me, I cannot say no. That is why I don’t buy them.

Rosemary: What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@johnhans: I love the lakes and all the friendly people where I live in Minnesota. I also appreciate the retirement community where I am now living. I know that every city does not have affordable senior housing.

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