Jacksonville Reporter Opens Up About Depression

By Stephanie Tsoflias Siegel 

WJXT reporter, Ashley Harding, opens about her struggle with depression. She shared her story on Facebook days after news of Portland meteorologist, Tom Johnston‘s suicide broke.

“I’m about to get personal. Yes, I’ve said it before here on Facebook. But this time I’m serious,” Harding said on her page over the weekend.

“For days, I had been mulling over and over in my head, asking myself…should I talk about this with the viewers? Should I share this?  I have been struggling with post-partum depression since our son was born in December 2015.”

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Harding goes on to open up about her recent trip to the psychiatrist and starting a low dose of anti-depressants.  The News4Jax reporter then addresses Johnston’s death and his time working in Jacksonville.

“I did not know him when he worked here in Jacksonville, but this story really hit home for me. It’s time to get real about depression and mental illness. It’s okay to talk about it, and please people, get help if you need it. Reach out to those in your life who matter. Don’t wait as long as I did to try to get better. Rest in peace, Tom.”

The post got over 67 comments and 44 shares.

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