From Depression to Action: How Proactivity Saved My Life

The connection between our mental state and our life circumstances is often more profound than we realize. It might seem obvious that winning can lift us out of depression, but the journey from despair to triumph is far from straightforward.

From the age of 20 to 33, I lived a life that I deeply disliked, yet I did nothing to change it. This stagnation led me to seek solace in various substances, from alcohol and nicotine to sugar. These temporary escapes provided fleeting relief but ultimately exacerbated my problems. Things didn’t start to improve until I found myself standing in front of a train track, contemplating thoughts that no one should ever have to entertain. That day, I made a decisive choice to change because the alternative was too dark and unbearable.

It’s Not What You Do That Saves You. It Is the “Action” Itself, Regardless of the Outcome.

The principle behind all rehabilitation is fundamentally the same: it’s as if you start pressing the buttons of the machine that is your life without having a clue how it works. Initially, nothing you do seems to work; if something does, it’s often by chance. But gradually, through trial and error, you begin to understand how things work. This process of discovery is crucial because it empowers you to take control of your life, one small step at a time.

These 10 Steps Worked for Me

Gradually Reduce the Dose of Nicotine Using an Electric Vape

This approach allowed me to wean myself off nicotine without the abrupt shock of quitting cold turkey. It provided a manageable transition that was less overwhelming.

Reduce Junk Food Intake

Improving my diet was a significant step towards better physical and mental health. By cutting down on junk food, I started to feel more energized and less sluggish.

Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey (It Was Hard)

This was one of the most challenging steps, but it was essential for my recovery. Alcohol had become a crutch, and eliminating it allowed me to face my emotions head-on.

Let My Creative Side Flourish

I realized that repressing my artistic side led to self-destruction. Embracing my creativity was a liberating experience. It provided an outlet for my emotions and a sense of purpose that had been missing.

Walk for Two and a Half Hours Every Day

Physical activity became a cornerstone of my recovery. Walking not only improved my physical health but also gave me time to reflect and clear my mind.

Make Peace with My Enemies

Especially when I had reason to be offended. Walking without resentment and hatred lightens the load. Forgiveness was a powerful tool in my journey. Letting go of past grievances allowed me to move forward with a lighter heart.

Writing Helped Me Understand Myself Better

Journaling became a therapeutic practice. It allowed me to process my thoughts and emotions, gaining clarity and insight into my own mind.

Avoid Comparing Myself with Others

We each have our own path, times, and processes. Comparison is the thief of joy. Recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique helped me focus on my own progress rather than measuring myself against others.

Maintain Fixed Schedules

Eat, train, work, write, and sleep at the same times every day. Establishing a routine provided structure and stability. It helped me build healthy habits and maintain a sense of order in my life.

Sleeping 8 Hours a Day Accelerated My Recovery the Most

A well-rested brain makes better decisions. Prioritizing sleep was crucial. Adequate rest ensured that my brain functioned optimally, enabling me to make better choices and handle stress more effectively.

Cleanliness: Your Room Is a Metaphor for Your Life

Keep it clean to increase self-esteem and self-love. A tidy living space reflects a tidy mind. Maintaining a clean environment boosted my self-esteem and reinforced the idea that I deserved a better life.

Spirituality

Reconnecting with my childhood faith activated an internal antivirus, scanning and quarantining negativity, addictions, guilt, anger, and self-loathing. Spirituality provided a deeper sense of purpose and inner peace. It helped me confront and overcome the negative aspects of my life.

Takeaway

Money is essential, but it is not the most important thing. Your true wealth lies in how you feel inside. Self-esteem is the key. If you feel good, you are richer than Elon Musk.

The most important way to increase self-esteem is to shift from a reactive to a proactive attitude. Move from a victim mentality to one of taking responsibility for your own life. Act when life gets complicated or when someone looks down on you. By taking action, you’re telling yourself, “Relax, I’m taking care of everything. I won’t leave you in the lurch.” And that’s love.

But if you do nothing, you’re saying, “You don’t deserve a better life, adapt to this shitty life by anesthetizing yourself at the expense of your health.” And that’s self-hatred. If you hate yourself, it won’t end well.

Note: Try it; you have nothing to lose. Instead of dwelling on your problems, victimizing yourself, and feeling helpless, try doing things that get you out of it, even if they don’t work at first. You’ll see how, little by little, you feel better.

So, my unsolicited advice today is that when things get ugly (and they will), don’t get paralyzed; act. By acting, regardless of the outcome, you are loving yourself, which will prevent you from passing near the train tracks.

A virtual hug to you all.