How I Pulled Myself out of Depression

Depression happens when we live our lives for others and not for ourselves. We begin to spiral downward when we seek happiness from the external.

It all begins with conditioning in our early childhood - when we're taught what's socially acceptable and what's not. Choosing our life path - our relationships, our education, our career - are we really making decisions that will lead to our own happiness? Or are the decisions we make based on trying to "become" something or someone? Maybe our decisions are based on what our families and friends will approve? Or what society accepts? Maybe we're people-pleasers. Maybe we're seeking external validation. Maybe we don't know who we are.

I'm speaking from personal experience. For many years, I was trying to live someone else's life - not really knowing who I was. Attempting to drown out the pain of disconnection with alcohol and drugs. Until one day, I had a wake up call. Is this the life that I really wanted to create for myself? Filled with self-loathing? I needed to stop blaming others and external circumstances. I needed to take responsibility for my life.

The truth is, finding our "joy" is an inside job. No matter how many courses, careers or relationships we chase, if we don't honour who we truly are, our happiness will eventually fade. Until we begin to let go of all the shit that this holding us back from being ourselves, we will continue to look to the external for joy - and it won't last.

Finding our true purpose and honouring who we are is the greatest gift that we can give ourselves - and the world.

So, I ask you, if you could do anything right now what would it be?

What makes you feel connected, joyful and free?

What weighs you down? What do you need to release?

If you're living your life for someone else, it's time to start living your life for you.

Surround yourself with people who fully support and encourage you to be who you are. Always.

Love yourself and the rest will fall into place.

G.Tate