“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzo

WHAT DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY FEELS LIKE

I first remember having crippling depression and anxiety when my uncle passed away from a heart condition when I was in 7th grade. It was the first time that I had ever faced that kind of real world adversity. From that time on, being overwhelmed with worrying about worst case scenarios was all I ever knew.

I grew up unwillingly befriending mental exhaustion, restlessness, stress, and seeking the reassurance and approval of others. I was an athletic kid who did very well in school, had a family that loved and supported me, and knew of blessings that surrounded me in every aspect of my life. So why was I anxious? Why was I feeling depressed?

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AREN’T BIAS

To the outside world I might have played it off well enough to make myself seem normal. What I learned was depression and anxiety had no bias. They attack all different types of people: tall, short, skinny, pretty, successful, white, black, wealthy, poor… Anyone and everyone.

Oh yeah, anxiety doesn’t care how old you are either. I realized that when I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in middle school. I was immediately put on medication to curb the side effects I was dealing with, and instantly felt even more abnormal. In my mind at that time the only reference I had with “mental illness” was a straight jacket. Increase anxiety [here].

HOW TO TREAT DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Medication was never the remedy, and for me it never was going to be. My anxiety followed me around, stalking me until I graduated college, until I had my heart surgery where I found myself faced with the same fate of my uncle.

It was almost like in that moment something clicked. Logically it seemed as though my anxiety and depression should have multiplied from the severity of the adversity I was facing. Instead, my old unwanted friend started walking away. I gladly said my goodbye.

The reason, I had started to finally figure out my purpose in life. I knew that I could share my story, my experiences with people around me… to write, to speak, to inspire, to mentor, to coach. To help them not feel alone, to show them how to get through tough times, and to inspire them to be themselves in a world that pulls people towards social norms.

My purpose was starting to take shape, and everything I had gone through up until that point was preparing me for this work. That’s exactly what it takes to come through the darkness that anxiety covers us with. We know that depression and anxiety can latch onto us, and even though unwanted, it seems like we can’t avoid it or overcome it… But we can!

HOW TO BEAT DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

1. Accept that it’s real, but so are you
2. Know that you’re valuable
3. Find a safe place to talk about it
4. Start practicing prayer, meditation, or breath work
5. Ask yourself “What am I supposed to learn?”
6. Take action with your passions and do meaningful work

WILL I EVER GET OVER MY DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY?

What I’ve learned through my depression and anxiety riddled adversity is that our storm can serve a purpose. The storm that we feel like we are going through is actually helping master our skills, develop toughness and grit, and cultivate a willingness to become more vulnerable. To actually show people the real you, the trophies, the scars, and everything in between.

Spend time with your thoughts even if you’re scared of them. Talk about your feelings with close friends or mentors, and give yourself the freedom that is lacking due to the burden you feel carrying this anxiety all on your own. Depression and anxiety, when accepted and freely talked about, can help us figure out our purpose in life and create a feeling of self worth when working towards something deeply meaningful.

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