3 Steps to beat depression - A Personal Story

Depression Doesn’t Exist.

That’s what one of my previous recruitment directors said (on a mental health awareness day as well, couldn’t make it up!)

Thankfully we now live in a world where mental health awareness is gaining momentum and there’s a lot more resources for support out there.

As someone who’s gone through depression previously, I thought it might be useful to share what I found helped me – if it helps one person it’s worth it and all that.

Therapy was a little hit or miss for me. While it works wonders for some, I found myself stuck in a cycle of going from therapist to therapist, reliving the painful memories of an abusive childhood over and over again without finding a way forward.

In the end, there were three main areas that I took action to impact in order to successfully beat my dark thoughts, that I feel are steps within everyone’s control.

1.?Exercise.

I’d put on significant weight over the years from a very unhealthy lifestyle – if you can’t look after your body, there’s no way you can look after your mind!

Whether it’s running, gym, tennis or simply walking 10,000 steps a day – get moving, get out in nature and of course get the right foods in your body.

Exercise is not a magic happy pill but it’s the closest thing to it and I prioritise it above everything else now.

2.?Environment.

I chose to move from Bristol to Manchester, essentially to get a clean slate from all the negative thoughts I associated with my hometown from my childhood, as I kept self-destructing.

Whilst not everyone can uproot their lives, reshaping toxic environments proved crucial for my well-being. For you it may be your workplace or even friendships/family members that you’ll need to re-assess your relationships with.

(For any of my Bristol friends reading this you’re the best though, and I look forward to visiting you again soon!)

3.?Garbage in, Garbage out.

You are the sum of what you put in your body & mind, and I was no exception.

I filled my spare time up with every vice you could think of – anything I thought would numb the pain and help me escape reality of what had happened to me in the past.

It wasn’t until I was honest with myself and others, that I could make progress – a problem shared is a problem halved.

Conclusion

I’m certainly no beacon of perfection, however from following these steps I’m now physically and mentally stronger than I’ve ever been, looking forward to new adventures personally & professionally.

Despite what naysayers may claim, depression is real—but so is the power within us to overcome it.

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