Jason's Story
Jason shares his battle with orthorexia and depression, and his passion for helping others to overcome similar challenges in their lives.
"The people around you can only help if you tell them the truth. Share your emotions. You are not alone."
About Jason:
I enjoy exploring our new home state of Colorado with my husband and our rescue pups, Arnie and Walter. In addition to being an avid sports fan and event coordinator, I have a deep passion for writing. My battle with orthorexia and passion for helping others left me a man on a mission, which is why I launched my blog orthorexiabites.com.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
My therapist suggested I write my story. I documented my journey from losing my parents at a young age to losing touch with my siblings, and eventually facing eviction and an eating disorder.
While reading the story back to myself, I was able to see myself from an objective point of view, which allowed me to gain self-compassion and love myself for the first time in decades. I felt the boulder of pain and turmoil crumble away with each sentence I read.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
Embracing Vulnerability
- I spent years believing a strong man stayed quiet and kept his emotions to himself. In reality, the more open I was with myself and others, the stronger I felt.
Reading
- I ordered several books written by therapists and individuals who faced similar situations to my own. Their stories let me know I was not alone.
Self-compassion
- I developed empathy for myself, which enabled me to let go of my passion and reduce my fears of the future.
- Further, I no longer beat myself up for a bad day. My feelings are valid and it’s okay not be to be okay sometimes.
Patience
- My recovery mantra is to trust the process, embrace the process and eventually enjoy the process. Recognizing that recovery is a process, makes the bad days less bad and the good days even more enjoyable.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
Be authentic with yourself and those around you. Your feelings are valid and your decision to share them only makes you stronger.
Once I was honest about the pain and hurt I felt inside, I realized things I liked about myself that I forgot existed. I learned to love the little things again.
The people around you can only help if you tell them the truth. There is nothing to fear and nothing to hide. Share your emotions. You are not alone.
– Jason Wood, Founder of Orthorexiabites, Denver, Colorado, USA 
