The Inner Child
It might sound strange at first, but it really works if you treat yourself like the child living inside you. When you’re harsh on yourself, ask: would you say this to a child? Would you call them stupid, fat, or tell them life has no meaning? Of course not. Be kinder, more patient, and accepting with yourself. It’s not easy—I struggled at first too—but over time, my mind adjusted and it helped a lot.
Movement
I know many roll their eyes at the idea of exercising when they don’t even have the strength to get up feeling down—but trust me, you can do it. Running helped me a lot, but I didn’t start with running—I started by walking. At first, just walking around the block made me feel sick, but soon I could make it to the park six blocks away. Each time—or every other or third time—I went a little further. Then I started jogging a bit—at first just a few meters, then gradually more. Exercise releases endorphins, your body’s natural happiness boost. Now I run 3-6 miles (5-10 km) and love it, but believe me, even just sitting on a park bench helps a lot.
Acceptance
It took me a long time to accept that I have this illness. While I may never completely erase it, I can manage it and live with it. This realization gave me strength—I no longer felt so lost. I accepted that bad days happen, but now I have tools and methods to stop myself from sinking completely.
Pills
I always hated pills, convinced they’d sedate me and turn me into a zombie—but I was wrong. My antidepressant didn’t change me; it just let me be myself again. I don’t want to rely on medication forever, but it’s important to know it’s not evil and it really helps.
The Darkest Moment
My wife and child were already asleep when I went out to the garage at night, started the car, and put a hose in the exhaust, ready to end it all. In my darkest hour, I thought they’d be better off without me. Then my little girl opened the car door, climbed into my lap, and said she had a bad dream and needed comfort. That’s when I realized I couldn’t let her grow up without me.
Cannabis
I quit weed and started taking vitamin D instead. Many say marijuana cures depression, but I believe it more often causes it. It’s a defense mechanism that hides problems for a while, but they come back stronger later.
Gratitude
I read somewhere to write down every day what you’re grateful for or any good thing that happened. No matter how bad your day is, you can always jot down a couple of positives. Don’t type—write by hand; it feels more personal and effective. After a terrible week, I reread my notes and realized so many great things happened. It’s easy to focus only on the bad and miss the good moments. A gratitude journal helps with that.
Authenticity
At 32, I finally faced myself and accepted that I’m gay. I told my family, who were very kind, and since then I’ve felt like I’m living my own life, not someone else’s.
Therapy
I didn’t believe in therapy, but someone recommended a professional who shed light on many family issues. I understood why my father acted the way he did and accepted that my mother couldn’t do more for me. Since forgiving them, healing began—it feels like I’ve lifted a huge weight.
The Green
I left my soul-crushing corporate job and moved to the countryside. The quiet, lack of stress, and being close to nature healed me. No crowds, no rush, no tight deadlines, aggressive drivers, annoying coworkers, or unbearable bosses. My rent is a fraction of what I paid for a dark little place in the suburbs. I work remotely a few hours a day, which covers my expenses. I have a vegetable garden and a cat I feed. I have no idea why I stayed stuck in the city rat race for so long.
Cover photo: OLGA KAZANTSOVA/istockphoto.com
