Kansas City Royals play-by-play announcer Ryan Lefebvre discusses his struggles with depression and how he emerged with a new perspective on living a balanced and healthy life on Thursday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.

Lefebvre appeared to live the perfect life. He had his dream job working for a Major League Baseball team, a huge house on a lake, and plenty of expensive toys. But depression is seldom deterred by superficial trappings, and depression’s grip on Lefebvre was at times crippling and nearly ended his life.

In his book The Shame of Me: One Man’s Journey to Depression and Back, Lefebvre recalls the events that led him to get help and the role that doctors, friends, family, and medication played in his recovery. Along the way he seeks to help others realize that help is available if they are willing to ask. To assist with his recovery, Lefebvre developed a framework for living a happy, healthy, balanced life - P.I.E.S., which stands for the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual areas of our lives. When they are not in balance, dysfunction frequently results. Lefebvre offers several insights about how to maintain balance with one’s P.I.E.S.

Copies of The Shame of Me will be available for sale, and Lefebvre will sign copies purchased during the event.