Overcoming depression: When you have nothing left, you still keep going | Kelsi Sheren

TL;DR

A military veteran shares his experience battling depression and suicidal thoughts, highlighting the importance of support and perseverance.

Transcript

so um you thought about suicide every minute of every day what are the pros of suicide in your mind at that time what at that time the pros were no one has to deal with this anymore i don't have to feel this way anymore i'm a burden to my family i'm a burden to the military system i'm weak i'm a bad soldier i didn't do my job i don't deserve to be ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💭 Suicidal thoughts often stem from self-hate and feelings of being a burden on others.
• ❓ Medication and therapy can be crucial in managing depression and creating some relief.
• 🥰 Support from loved ones and finding meaning in life can be powerful motivators to keep going.
• 🛩️ Recovery from depression is a gradual process, involving small steps and perseverance.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Engaging in activities and regaining a sense of normalcy can contribute to mental health improvement.
• 🥡 Triggers present in certain environments can hinder progress and should be taken into consideration.
• 🥰 Patriotism and love for their country played a significant role in the individual's journey towards recovery.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the pros of suicide for this individual during their struggle with depression?

At the time, the individual believed that suicide would end their pain and relieve others from the burden of dealing with them. They felt like a failure and thought they didn't deserve to be alive.

Q: How did the person escape from the dark place of self-hate and depression?

Initially, the individual found relief through the support of someone they were dating. Over time, they also tried different medications, attended therapy and gradually engaged in activities outside their house, which provided a sense of normalcy and eventually allowed for travel and education opportunities.

Q: Why was going back to school a bad idea for the individual?

The individual wasn't ready to face the triggers present in a school environment, especially the introduction of active shooter drills. It affected their mental health negatively and hindered their progress towards recovery.

Q: Why does the person feel like a second-class citizen in their own country?

Despite their dedication and love for Canada and their military service, the individual feels restricted due to pandemic-related measures, such as not being able to travel freely or participate in various activities. They consider it an overreach of government power.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The individual struggled with daily thoughts of suicide, feeling like a burden to others and full of self-hate.

• It took several years before finding relief through the implementation of medications and gradually regaining their ability to leave the house and engage in activities.

• The love for their country and the desire to try, even when there was no energy left, played a crucial role in their recovery.