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The major turning point in Andrew, a professional golfer's recovery from depression came when being hospitalized after a third attempted suicide.
"The most strength comes from an honest and non-judgmental look in the mirror, and doing what is necessary. If you need help, get it"
About Andrew:
I’m a professional golfer from Ottawa. I’ve been competing professionally for 10 years all over the globe; and in that time I have become a keynote speaker, spokesperson, advocate, and now full-time YouTuber.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION
The major turning point in my recovery from depression was being hospitalized in 2011, after my third attempt to take my life. This forced me to take stock of my illness, own it, and do something about it. It’s been a long and hard road, but one that started that day. Leaving the hospital, I embarked on what has now become a holistic approach to my ongoing health and recovery.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
- Meditation: Adding meditation in to my daily routine in 2014 has been the most crucial part of my recovery. My mindfulness practice has taught me how to be non-judgemental about my thoughts, and ultimately be more in control of them as they come and go.
- Community: Community has helped immensely over the last 7 years. Having a close knit community of friends and family that are there for me, and no longer scared of my dark and hard times, has helped me be more open and less afraid of the dark times that I still experience.
- A Creative Outlet: Having a creative outlet (vlogging) has given me something that keeps my mind occupied when historically it would be bored and inclined to stress over “what ifs”. Creating something has given me a greater feeling of purpose and helps with self confidence on a daily basis.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
Don’t be silent. A “strong and stoic” man is a misnomer. The most strength comes from an honest and non-judgmental look in the mirror, and doing what is necessary. If you need help, get it. If you need someone to talk to, there is someone that will listen. Convincing yourself that you can “tough it out” or “walk it off” to get healthy is an archaic ideology that couldn’t be further from the truth. Be a man of more words.
– Andrew Jensen, professional golfer and vlogger, based out of Jacksonville Beach, FL, US. 
