About Jesse:

I am a parent of adopted kids, a writer/artist, and a teacher.

WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?

For me it was a combination of therapy, especially addressing my past that I was running from, and joining a 12 step program for codependency (recognizing how I was obsessing about people/places/things and powerless over my compulsive thinking). Depression was usually the low that came after really high drama periods, and I had to stop and look at how I was constantly stirring up issues in my life by being overly attached to outcomes.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?

• Learning to be more centred, present, meditation and prayer.
• Learning to not be so black and white in my thoughts, live in the complexity of the world
• Having a support group and people to talk to, not letting it build up
• Keeping a focus on my side of the street, keeping myself clear and letting others go
• Taking time to support and be of service to others. Getting out of my own head.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?

It starts with one step in the right direction, and you don’t have to be alone. You are not bad or wrong, you are just sick and need to take action (however small) to start getting the recovery you need.

You are not alone or some alien situation, find others who share your story.

You can turn that depression into action/service, and it will end up being something you are grateful for (because you can use your hard times to help others struggling). When in doubt, just do whatever you can to return to neutral, clear your mind. Self-pity and morbid reflection are not the same as feeling sad. When things are getting too dark, its time to get serious about your program/help. 

Check out ppgrecoveredcodependents.org if you think you might be like me, someone who “thinks” the way an alcoholic drinks! If you go off on binges of resentment and fear, and its causing serious depressive episodes, you would be surprised how much this free program and some good therapy combined can be a miracle In your life! 

– Jesse S, Montreal, Quebec, Canada