He Beat Cancer… But Depression Nearly Took His Life

What happens when you survive cancer… but still feel like giving up?

In this powerful episode of Truth Behind the Mike, I sit down with Glen Kirkpatrick—a 2x cancer survivor who faced something even more terrifying than disease: deep depression and suicidal thoughts.

Glen shares his raw, unfiltered journey:

Being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 30
Beating cancer… then watching it come back
Falling into severe depression and suicidal ideation
The moment everything nearly ended
And how God met him in the darkest place imaginable

This is more than a survival story—it’s a story of intervention, rescue, and redemption.

If you’re struggling with:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Cancer or chronic illness
- Loss of purpose
- Or questioning your faith

This conversation is for you.

👉 You are not alone. And your story is not over.

📖 Get Glen’s book: Overcome: The Story of Intervention, Rescue, and Redemption (available on Amazon) at:
https://a.co/d/0iKJHxcE

🙏 Need prayer? Drop a comment—we pray over every request.

⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters)
00:00 – This Story Will Hit You Hard
00:37 – The Cancer Diagnosis That Changed Everything
02:02 – Remission… But Something Was Wrong
06:57 – Cancer Returns & Depression Takes Over
09:13 – The Breaking Point (Suicidal Thoughts)
10:34 – Intervention That Saved His Life
12:23 – Treatment That Changed Everything
13:05 – Finding Faith for the First Time
16:20 – Growing in Christ Through Pain
19:49 – Why Hard Times Draw Us Closer to God
23:28 – The Power of a Faithful Spouse
29:01 – Advice for Anyone Struggling Right Now
31:08 – When God Gets Your Attention
32:31 – How You Can Pray for Glen

Transcript

0:00

Hey, guys, we've got another great show for you today. I'm going to be talking with a gentleman who lives in San Diego, California, one of my favorite places. He is a two time cancer survivor. Didn't know the Lord before. He's got an amazing story. You need to hear this. So don't go away. Check this out. Glen, thank you so much for joining us today on Truth Behind the Mike. Thank you for the opportunity. Absolutely. You have a story that I really don't know about intentionally. I wanted to hear it from you, but, I'm really amazed. I think your story is one that a lot of people can relate to. You're 30 years old. Life is going as mostly generally, it should. But then something happened. I want you to kind of pick up from there, and then we can go back a little bit, but let us know and our audience know what happened at 30 years old that began to really change your life. Thank you. Married with one, one son. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cancer, and turned everything upside down. And I had never broken a bone, even growing up or having any serious illness or injury. So it came as a shock as it would to anyone. Know and after having it effectively diagnosed, agreeing to radiation treatment, I had 50 individual, radiation therapy treatments. And my wife. You call that nuclear summer? We chuckle about it. Yeah. Very difficult nuclear. And then we had radiation and I grew sick and had like a sunburn. But later that year, in November, the cancer went into remission, and we we were overcome with joy. We. Yeah. Celebrated. We we later realized we were never the same. So you'd effectively at that point, you'd effectively beaten cancer. Still young. Where were you at in your faith at that point? I really had no faith. Right? I know. I know God loved me because I could look back and he was always looking out for us, but we really had no faith. I didn't grow up going to church. I didn't participate any. Fellowship or whatnot. Did you have any sense, especially when this went into remission? Did you have any sense as really an unbeliever? Did you have any sense that God had a hand in that? Truthfully, no. And it's bewildering. The it's the truth. The how could I not? In fact, Debbie, Debbie's employer. Called me in the hospital. I had a I had a laparotomy that kept me open and they wanted to diagnose the stage. Cancer was there. And he said, are you are you thinking of God or praying to God during this time? I didn't know what he meant until some things are, you know, 180 different now. Okay. Yeah, yeah. So you're not really a believer. You find this terrible diagnosis out, but then through radiation, you are effectively cured and celebrating and probably feel like you have a new lease on life. Oh, yes. Oh, definitely. What happened after that then? Well, one thing is a way to celebrating Debbie and I went to a U2 concert at the LA Coliseum. It was a great. Wow. Favorite band. Just. You know, celebration. We went to Cancun for a week or more, and. Returned and resumed our life. But actually, what happened was I did return to work or enough energy to return to the police department. I was definitely in remission. What mean when I mentioned things were never the same, I was, agitated and restless after the diagnosis, treatment, the uncertainty when I go in remission and all the time I was sick and at home a alone time alone during the treatment, just restless and again. And so that led to I wanted to move out of the house. The house was fine. And, a community, you know, like county. If I want to go, we want to go to have some acreage or have a large lawn or something. And we did. It took some time, but Debbie agreed. I will move to San Diego County and some old ranch property, but that didn't fix things. There was a healthy break and there was a different environment. So you're you're, an LA police officer at the time before that. Is that correct? The City of Manhattan Beach in L.A. County. Okay. And obviously, time off for the radiation and the treatment. Yeah, I really saw it as a new start. Some breathing room that was for acres. And I still remember we didn't need for acres, but we could afford it. I walked the property line the fence, and just all this space, a new start. Yeah. Kind of in the country. I would later realize I was a retreat. It was an escape. Yeah. So essentially, it really, I look at this now, and probably you do too. Looking back, you were an unbeliever. Really saw a miracle performed in your life, spared your life. But it sounds like depression kind of set in, like you went on the the trips you celebrated, and then it's back to life as normal. But there was it seemed like there was a depression. There. My other stage I didn't understand. I, I am saying yes. And so I had a reoccurrence of the same cancer. And again, so disappointed. And I set up in my mind psychologically at this time I would not survive it. I was prescribed chemotherapy and, you know, I underwent therapy treatments in my doctor's office. But it didn't take too long. I did deeply depressed and suicidal thoughts. No, starting new jobs at the police department there. I guess you could say it. It crept in and then the depression, like, took over. Yeah. For for a time. Yeah. That's a hard thing to get out of. I don't know that I've ever been clinically depressed, but I think that there's so many demands on us in our society right now and that we take on personally in our lives. But then when you have something like what you've experienced and you went through and you're on this, this high, I think probably some of that radiation had to affect you in a way. And now again, a recurrence and you're in, you're battling again. And certainly that had to add to that depression and suicidal thoughts. And you're still not correct me if I'm wrong. You're still not at that point looking to God saying either save me or help me or, why are you doing this to me? Anything like that? So, major depression. My wife's amazing. Although she, of course, she felt helpless, but would take me to different psychiatrist and medication and, the depression did not live. I would also not always tell her the truth. I guess that's, probably common in some major depression in that. You know, like, if she asks, do you want to hurt yourself? Are you okay? And probably said something like, yes, okay. Even as I'm thinking about how I could take my life so terrible the third time, one time I was home because I was off work like duty. And, I went into the horse store and had property with my pistol. I fired around and said, horse stole and my in my. Unclear thinking. And I thought, well, let me see if somebody's here is the shop and what would happen. And the coast got powerful working. Now we see it. Debbie had circled around, she was gone to work, came back home, and drove in our dirt driveway like an easement. And I came out of the horse stall. She goes, “What are you doing?”, I don't know. I might have said nothing. And then I said “I was in the horse stall.” So she went and grabbed the gun, called my, our good friend in church, and he came over and he removed all guns and rifles so I could be safe. And then through a kind of quick and Debbie, called around and found a location not too far away. Behavioral services place where as long as I voluntarily admitted they attacked me and, I was so out of in the depression that I just complied. Thanks be to God that I complied. Okay, Debbie, I didn't really agree, but by complying, you got me in there. And I started services. So, yeah, I could assist. So that was a number of days. Still, you know, I'm just still in the midst of the end of the second bout of cancer. So. They check your blood, see? Check your blood. How's your blood’s doing. And so they know about medication and whatnot. And at the behavioral services center, my platelets get very low, and they send me to the hospital, a regular hospital. Well, I still had all the crazy suicidal thoughts. I, I wasn't better, but I was okay for a time. There was a point. I was released and I still had the same side of things. So Debbie and I and she kept getting some great counsel, but now she had a relationship with some guys and gals, brothers and sisters in the church we would later part of. And that same gentleman who came into public health was in medical field. He said, there's this thing called electroconvulsive therapy. More than one psychiatrist recommended it. I could explain what that is. And, we opted for it. If you. Well, again, I just complied. Yeah, I was hospitalized. They had that treatment, and after about ten treatments, I woke up. I felt sure I felt happiness, and the depression lifted. It's amazing. Praise God again. We now see that that was God's hand. You know that? I was released from the hospital back home. So it took me a while physically and emotionally, to recover. And I began to go to heaven. I began to go to church, Bible talk, you know, study the Bible, learn who God is. Jesus, Jesus, his role in redeeming us and we were each baptized early in 1990. Everything began to be different. We were saved. The community. So, Amazing. I've got to ask, I think we've heard a lot of of people through the years who have had encounters like that where near-death experiences and they, they make promises to God or they or they turn to Christ. Was that a situation for you or was God? You said that the person that came in and took the the weapons away, was in the medical field, but you were also connecting with church at the time. Was that was that a feeling from you of maybe obligation to God, or was that something that just slowly started building in your life and was drawing you to Jesus? I think it's a great question. And the way you asked it. So my wife, the star, my wife began to see her need, for God. At the urging of a friend she worked with as a member of this church, they, you know, they would invite us to the concerts, church on Sundays. So I actually went along and Shaker if we could go along this one. I was depressed, too, because she was concerned for my safety. Sure. Or for good reason. Yeah. So it started where I had to participate. And then. There was it until after the, act lifted in the person that I would go or to go in earnest to Bible talk. And that same gentleman. Came he took all the weapons. Yeah. He did a great thing. He offered time where I could supply with them in the ward at his house every week. And I would drive my truck over often. Now I wonder why. Why am I doing this? Why is it? Get me this attention. What is this? So that you says. Well, yeah, it ended with me over. And he was older, like my dad, almost my grandfather which. There. That's that's what I needed. Yeah. He reached out, took care of me and had some wisdom. Was patient so much of a progression. He said that, earlier where you were then and where you're at now was 180 degree change. Yes. That's not a that's not a situation where you just feel an obligation to the Lord to stick with him for 36 years. So tell me about the growth from that time to where you're at now. Yeah, it is still so happening as you would be aware of the growth. Yeah. Well started from not knowing anything learning and in my life. Will you excuse me? Teach me through the steps of I began to gain condition to be the Bible on my own each day and pray the fellowship involved in the fellowship. Our story was inspiring to others. It was a year or so we were made Bible discussion leaders and that was. You know, what do you do? I mean, what was the task? But, I went to work, if you will, like reading the Bible and preparing the lessons, learning how to care for people. So there's that whole. And that is just amazing. So together we can do that. Well, the growth over time is there's other challenges. And then to continue with my health and God is use them to keep me look into his word. Yeah. Reaching out. And really different way and everything from chronic illness. Now that I don't think I understand. Scriptures like power and weakness, I find that it's linked to sonship. I've got a tattoo, sonship Romans eight on my own. So there were things. Thanks for asking that. It's coming around. So whether it's a weakness or whether I just. Some mornings I would. I read the Psalms, but I read just one after the other. I mean, so I identify with all that God intervene, rescued and redeemed that are in our lives. So I see him that way. With great qualities, not just for me, but you other it's available to other people. And yeah, their story looks different. So over time with the Bible, I could touch on this slightly. We became, elders for training you know, to, to marriage counseling when we were elders in training. That's what they called the group of us that were, and a particular person on the. I began writing and reaching out through social media, continue that manuscript. And then we started a support group or ministry group in our home. We called overcomers for folks challenged with mental health issues. And let's go, health issues. I needed it. Yeah, right. Okay. Have we reached the of time? We, posted that at our home. So now I'm sure you all because, you know, we've been around a long time, and yet I'm still discovering the depth of God's love. Yeah, the power of His word. And, our need for him is not change. Yeah, yeah. I'm grateful. You know, Glen, I think, in in my life, I know in my wife's life as well. We all love the good times. We all love when everything is going well. Strong income, good health, the houses, the cars, all the things that we need. But I found that a lot of times when those, those moments in my life are happening, it's easy to get distracted. Distracted from reading the word distracted for praying, so distracted from just recognizing that God is constantly with us, watching out for us, guiding us. And I've found just the opposite than in the hard times which we've all had. You certainly have been, challenged more than I have. So I'm very grateful that you're willing to share your story. I think that's, I think sharing stories allows us to help one another. But I found in those times, that's when I desperately see my need for God. That's when, that's when I'm searching for more of him through the word, through prayer, just through spending time with him. That certainly sounds like it's been the case for you. Yes, it's survival. And yeah, I was reminded today about how God uses routine to help me no matter what. My thoughts are all distracted all over the place, so there might be one kind of pressing. I don't have a pressing schedule, but a pressing thought is I remember okay, take your medicine. Take your supplements. Yeah, take your pizza. You know, maybe there's something that is okay. Yes. I have listened to a lot of lessons. Full speed concentrate. Pray, am I well enough to walk? You know, I just did a I walked into ten minutes. It wasn’t much, but the victory was. I got outside and I took the walk and came back. That's right. So, it's a spiritual Bible, and I'm learning. I listen to a lot of John Piper, theologian. But, seeking to glorify God is his joy. And I, I focus a lot on seeking to be joyful. That doesn't come natural. Maybe. Yeah, I think that's very powerful because, we can get caught up in so many distractions of life that our mindset changes to where we start. Instead of being joyful and grateful for what God's given us, we we see the other side and what we don't have. And if we consistently stay on that path, I think we do find ourselves in deep depression. But keeping our minds focused on Christ, really does bring joy. I have a couple things I want to note. First of all, your wife, who's been through through this with all of you? Sounds like she has been, a rock and, talk a little bit about her. I think, having been married for 38 years, I know the value of having a, a Christ filled, spirit filled wife who, oftentimes balances me. I'm not talking about you guys. I'm thinking, oh, yeah. It seems to be the way it is with most guys. Yeah, well, Debbie's got a big heart. That is, personable. Debbie is, you know, she serves me, takes care of me. Over time, the caretaker. Yeah. Role has become part of her life. Although I'm able to do. Some things are marginalized with my health. And, for example, she drives now all the time. I have mild cognitive impairment or things I have going on, and I'm not secure about making decisions quickly or my reaction time. Sure. And she, she's very it's is very, very know she doesn't mind. So, she's amazing at her forgiveness. She's very hopeful. Deep. I mean, deep convictions. We she came to Christ several months before me and let me go with you. That is what, you know, been working on her for that. She's a delight. She knows me so well. So just this week, you said. Spent pretty good at this. Hey, you know this. And friends, we live in a 55 and older community. She goes, yeah, it's a birthday. What a great opportunity. So for dinner. And I'm like, I don't want to go in the water. But we're both learning that just because I say the truth doesn't mean we all. We want to be well, yeah. So okay. And then she schedules it. So without her I wouldn't have dinner with anybody this week. Yeah. And so, may seem like a small thing, but it's it's huge. She she knows how to nudge. Push me. Other times, I'm always surprised and say, let's do this. Well, we used to call this time when we didn't have trouble, so we've had time. So, you know one thing over another. Now it's the difference between where the most important things and I've been responsible for more, not allow them through my life. Like with the depression, the cancer. Imagine her being several times. You know, face to face, this, this this may what God has done is she's she's always been strong. I didn't realize early on marriage because we weren't tested yet. I love seeing how God brings people together that complement one another. And, certainly I'm sure there were times when you both wanted to walk away. But I think because of, that unity that you built through the years, I think, it's easier to see now how God had his hand in that as well. And I think that's so important for young couples to consider as well. There was a a key point with the weight of the cancer, depression, nice suicidal idealization that Debbie later told me that she thought just running away, just to escape. Sure. And then she would tell us about where she going to go. She's not going away. Yeah, well, that tells you the. Yeah. It wasn't just in prayer and fasting that was heavy on her. Yeah. And she I like to say she had a choice. If she stayed loved instead of running away. Yeah. Yeah. That's right. And I, I don't want to speak for her, but, she's been with you a long time, and, I'm certain that she probably would agree that she made the right choice. And that God was in this, had a had a purpose through the whole thing. And that's not always easy to see. I mean, when you're walking through something like that, I can't imagine. And, all I know is that having her by your side, as hard as that was, had to be a lot easier than without her. So, Thank God for our spouses, right? Yes, sir. Yeah. That's. Well, Glen, I want to ask you one more thing. Actually, a couple more things for those that are listening to, whether they're going through cancer, depression, suicidal thoughts, or just the day to day struggles of why am I here? Why is God put me in this situation? Can you speak directly to them? And, any advice that you would give to them in their struggles where they're currently at? Sure. Well, by the way, what I thought of would apply to anyone, the Christians, let's say. Is to learn deeply, be deeply convicted, appreciate, find joy in your identity in Christ, like sonship or in God's daughter. Yeah. And I found this one thing because I wasn't thinking this way from day one, like Christianity is. It's one thing to know it or look on a page and go, oh yeah, I'm gonna go for it to be your identity. Yeah. So no matter what comes, no matter what storms come and go, it does it change is for God's kid treasure. Oh, yeah. You know, he loves. So that's really, I guess for me, everything's focused on that their identity. Perhaps it in fellowship is part of that. Understand that. And what? Encourage you with that when you need it. I don't think that God always allows things, bad things to happen, to draw people to him. But I do think that there are situations, whether we get ourselves into or something like what you went through that was out of your control. But I do think that it is a time when people can start really seeking deeply what's my purpose? And, do I really believe, I think a lot of people or are more consumed by our life to think beyond it? What happens after this is over? And I think that that's a great time when you're going through those hard times, is to really consider, and what a what I'm doing right now. Does it really matter in the end? And if God is real, I need to turn to him. And think, I know I take no credit and look at how prideful and independent I must have been that it took. You know, near death or depression that I thought anyway, for took some actions toward one destroying myself as I so complete the whole endure it and self and but I certainly wasn't on the track to seek God. I, you know, I didn't I didn't seek him. Now, once he got my attention and I'm sure some of the truly I, I guess I began to turn myself to Him. I just realized that, yeah, he provided what we needed, provide what we needed, should say. I think that, you know, that's how things were well, for us during that. Well, Glen, I'm grateful that you're here. God had a plan well, beyond, those trials and even the trials are going through now. I would like to close, because I know a lot of people who are watching and listening would ask the same question. And that is, how can we pray for you. That are there? Remember to continue to have faith in God each day and trusting God each day. And then over the, you know, belong holding them all the days that he's and allow me to live. To rely on him. Yeah. Come, come what may. There's a lot of days. So. Yeah, I think that's a great prayer for all of us. Choosing to follow Christ is not a one time commitment. It's a daily commitment. And, I think that is a perfect prayer not only for you, but for all of us. So thank you. Glen, I want to thank you for joining us. Thank you for your time. Thank your wife for us. We appreciate her allowing you to join us as well. You have a book, correct? I want to make sure people understand. You have a book out there. Yes, sir. There's actually a new, cover, but the title is the same. So it's

Overcome: 33:39

The Story of Intervention, Rescue and Redemption, for cancer survivorship story. It's on Amazon. Okay. It's also in, Kindle or e-book. Perfect. And now we got a lot of Kindle readers out there, folks, grab a copy of Glen's book. You've heard just a little bit of his story today. I would love, for you to to, pick that up. I know I'll do the same and, read the whole story. And I know that you wrote that as an encouragement and, kind of a testimony and a testament of God's work in your life. And so, Glen, thank you again for joining us. Thanks, Mark. Maybe I get to meet you one day. Absolutely. I love San Diego. I've been out there several times. Next time, I'll look you up. Oh, that'd be great. And I've got to say, I like your haircut. And, I've been looking at the mustache, and I'm wondering how I would look in that. I may try that out sometime. Feel free. All right, Glen, thanks so much. Thanks again, my friend. Keep you.