“I remember my mother would be taken to the hospital. After a few weeks, she would come home and we would have to stay quiet amongst our family and friends. Her depression was this deep, dark secret and one I had to keep even as a young child.”
Those are the heartbreaking words of Audrey Gruss as she recounted the tragedy of her mom Hope’s life and struggle with depression. Inspired by her mother’s strength and love despite her disease, Audrey has made it her life’s mission to drive research into depression, its effects, and most importantly, its treatment.
Like millions of others, Hope struggled at the hands of her mental illness and the stigma surrounding it.
Around the world, there is a depression-related suicide approximately every 13 minutes. It’s a silent killer. Back in 2006, though, Audrey founded the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) to create a coalition of depression scientists to coordinate research into treatment and psychological care.
The fact is that struggling with a condition that’s stigmatized and brushed under the rug can take a serious toll on depression sufferers and the people they love.
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While she didn’t have the tools to help Hope before her death in 2005, Audrey’s hands aren’t tied anymore. Her mom’s pain and strength are forever etched into her heart and she’s made a vow to create a world where no one has to feel helpless because of their depression – a world where their loved ones feel like they have more options than just sitting and watching them slip away.
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This Mother’s Day, Audrey and her team came up with a way to get all of us involved in the fight! She created Hope Fragrances, a line of perfumes and scented candles that help fund HDRF’s mission.
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Amazingly, 100 percent of the proceeds go directly toward depression research, so not only do you get a great-smelling, high-quality product, but you get to put your money toward something that will ultimately save lives and prevent families from being torn apart.
You get to put your money toward hope.
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In the brand’s words, the fragrance is a “message in a bottle.” With notes of jasmine, gardenia, lily, and tuberose, the product is a true homage to the woman who changed the trajectory of Audrey’s life. They were some of Hope’s favorite flowers – small joys in her complicated world.
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To learn more about Audrey’s cause, check out HDRF’s website and to pick up some of her products, click here. Share this story to touch someone else’s heart. Let the people you love know that you support anyone who might be struggling with depression.
You never know when a simple gesture could save a life.
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