YOUR STORIES
When Scott began valuing his health more than entertaining other's, he began his recovery from depression, including medication, meditation, and music.
"An illness does not define you."
About Scott:
I am the Founder of Depression to Expression, a YouTuber and Speaker. I love sharing new perspectives that revolve around mental health with both adults and youth. I share my experiences and strategies with people all over the world through the power of the internet but also in schools and businesses around Toronto, Ontario.
YouTube Channel with 500+ mental health videos.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION
I spent so much of my life caring about what other people thought of me and existed to always please others. I acted as if the world and people around me needed my constant entertainment and impression. This was so energy intensive as it required me to follow and seek validation from others at all costs instead of growing as an individual. I finally discovered that valuing other people’s happiness and thoughts over my own kept me at a standstill.
The moment I decided and learned how to not care about what other people thought of me, is when my life really took off in a positive direction.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
- Medication: Sometimes I wish this wasn’t the case, but it truly helped me get out of bed and have the energy to take the next step into recovery.
- Meditation: I’ve been meditating almost every day for the past 10 years. This has truly helped with anxiety along with depression.
- Tell People: A secret loses its power when shared. Once I told my family and friends, the real healing began.
- Music: I learned guitar and drums. There is something very cathartic and expressive about creating something out of thin air.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
An illness does not define you. Your gender does not have to define how you act and fit into society. While fighting depression, I would challenge you to take a break from social media platforms where you may be in constant comparison with others. I would also take a break from mainstream news where problems seem to be endless and solutions too farfetched.
Lastly, I would invite you to express yourself. This could be journaling, talking to someone, weight lifting, playing an instrument, drawing, building, etc… Expressing emotions through different means can reveal your true uniqueness and show you why you are like no one else.
Stay strong, keep being you, and express yourself.
– Scott Ste Marie, Founder of Depression to Expression, based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada 
