If you guys do not know about me or my history, I suffered from severe depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts for approximately 8-9 years.
During those 8 years, around the period between 2015/16 - 2024, life was torture. I felt sad, tired all the time, zero motivation for anything. My sleep pattern was messed up, i would sleep at 3-4 am and wake up at like 3pm. I would call in sick to work many times due to crippling anxiety attacks around crowded places. I was over 105kg, had no confidence and hated leaving my house and being in public. I did not enjoy any hobbies
I saw the world in a negative light, i was miserable and felt lonely and trapped in a futile existence. Suicidal thoughts were a daily occurrence
then, on May 19, I took some steps and stayed consistent and finally turned my life around
Fast forward 254 days (close to 7 and a half months), my life has done a complete 180 turn
-I have not had suicidal or depressive thoughts for months
-my anxiety around crowds is non existent, i can walk anywhere crowded now by myself too
-I feel more confident in my skin and positive after weight loss
-I enjoy going to the gym on a daily basis, and have made so many amazing friends during boxing class too
-I no longer feel a sense of isolation and loneliness, because i am friends with a lot of staff and people at my gym and i am in a community i belong
-intrusive thoughts are gone
-I wake up 5am every day to go to the gym
-I have found a second part time job at a restaurant/cafe where the staff are friendly
It was not an easy journey. But I believe if you really try and continue to do the necessary steps, such as fixing up sleep, medication, eating right, exercising daily, taking your vitamin, seeing therapists, reaching out, meditating etc you can notice a significant improvement.
Happy new years and best of luck to everyone! I hope 2025 is the year you guys who are in that dark place are able to find light and peace
Highly recommend you check this out (The powerful connection between exercise and mental health)
Exercise acts as a natural mood booster by significantly increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter crucial for motivation, pleasure, and reward. When we engage in physical activity, our brains release dopamine, creating a sense of accomplishment and well-being. This surge of dopamine can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by improving overall mood and reducing feelings of fatigue and apathy.
My journal for May 19
"My recovery steps for the week. Wish me luck guys, hopefully I can stick to it
-cutting out processed junk like chocolate, ice cream, sweets to once a week
-limiting portion sizes of meals
-going to switch to decaf coffee instead of energy drinks or coffee with caffeine as caffein can worsen anxiety
-eating more fruits like grapes, oranges, bananas daily and vegetablses
-less carbs at night time
-incorporating more workout sessions, adding in deadlifts and leg exercises (boosts testosterone)
-Will try sleep and wake up 15-30 minutes earlier
-will watch more workout related videos, trying to make it an enjoyable hobby, so i have something to look forward to and think about instead of death 24/7
-will continue to reach out, help people on here, as I always feel better when i do that
-meditation , will try to do it for longer periods, hopefully at least 30 minutes a day or 20 minutes twice a day to clear my mind"
During those 8 years, around the period between 2015/16 - 2024, life was torture. I felt sad, tired all the time, zero motivation for anything. My sleep pattern was messed up, i would sleep at 3-4 am and wake up at like 3pm. I would call in sick to work many times due to crippling anxiety attacks around crowded places. I was over 105kg, had no confidence and hated leaving my house and being in public. I did not enjoy any hobbies
I saw the world in a negative light, i was miserable and felt lonely and trapped in a futile existence. Suicidal thoughts were a daily occurrence
then, on May 19, I took some steps and stayed consistent and finally turned my life around
Fast forward 254 days (close to 7 and a half months), my life has done a complete 180 turn
-I have not had suicidal or depressive thoughts for months
-my anxiety around crowds is non existent, i can walk anywhere crowded now by myself too
-I feel more confident in my skin and positive after weight loss
-I enjoy going to the gym on a daily basis, and have made so many amazing friends during boxing class too
-I no longer feel a sense of isolation and loneliness, because i am friends with a lot of staff and people at my gym and i am in a community i belong
-intrusive thoughts are gone
-I wake up 5am every day to go to the gym
-I have found a second part time job at a restaurant/cafe where the staff are friendly
It was not an easy journey. But I believe if you really try and continue to do the necessary steps, such as fixing up sleep, medication, eating right, exercising daily, taking your vitamin, seeing therapists, reaching out, meditating etc you can notice a significant improvement.
Happy new years and best of luck to everyone! I hope 2025 is the year you guys who are in that dark place are able to find light and peace
Highly recommend you check this out (The powerful connection between exercise and mental health)
Exercise acts as a natural mood booster by significantly increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter crucial for motivation, pleasure, and reward. When we engage in physical activity, our brains release dopamine, creating a sense of accomplishment and well-being. This surge of dopamine can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by improving overall mood and reducing feelings of fatigue and apathy.
My journal for May 19
"My recovery steps for the week. Wish me luck guys, hopefully I can stick to it
-cutting out processed junk like chocolate, ice cream, sweets to once a week
-limiting portion sizes of meals
-going to switch to decaf coffee instead of energy drinks or coffee with caffeine as caffein can worsen anxiety
-eating more fruits like grapes, oranges, bananas daily and vegetablses
-less carbs at night time
-incorporating more workout sessions, adding in deadlifts and leg exercises (boosts testosterone)
-Will try sleep and wake up 15-30 minutes earlier
-will watch more workout related videos, trying to make it an enjoyable hobby, so i have something to look forward to and think about instead of death 24/7
-will continue to reach out, help people on here, as I always feel better when i do that
-meditation , will try to do it for longer periods, hopefully at least 30 minutes a day or 20 minutes twice a day to clear my mind"
Your advice was a good read and I wish you all the best for your life. A life with purpose, health and joy.
