Steven's Story
Steven shares how he stopped judging himself and how therapy, building a support system, and medication helped him overcome depression.
"There’s no shame in admitting that you’re struggling."
About Steven:
I’m Steven Sharpe Jr, a Brooklyn-based fashion + lifestyle creator, mental health advocate, founder of Nobius Creative, and host of Sanctum Podcast. Right now, I’m working on building out my agency, advocating equitable pay for creators, and producing content for my brand clients!
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
The major turning point in my recovery was realizing that I was judging myself so harshly for what I perceived was a failure to be “normal”. The grace I was offering to others, I wasn’t offering to myself. Once I gave myself a break, I began to have a better relationship with my depression.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
Therapy!
- Working with a therapist played a huge part in helping me organize the jumbled up emotional mess in my brain into concepts and ideas.
My support system
- When I started taking action to help with my depression, I texted close friends about what was happening with me. Not only did it keep me accountable, but my transparency cultivated a strong bond with my friends.
Medication
- I was very firmly against taking an antidepressant, but I’ve come to understand that it’s a tool to support my recovery. It’s not a sentence. It was a choice and having some of that control in my recovery helped a lot.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
Give yourself a break. Don’t judge yourself on the things you can’t do, feel, emote, etc. Also, talk to people about it. There’s no shame in admitting that you’re struggling. We’ve all got our ish. You’re allowed to have some ish! By having people in your life that know you’re dealing with depression, they can help support you.
– Steven Sharpe Jr, Brooklyn, NY, USA 