Matt's Story
The major turning point in my recovery from struggling with depression, was actually opening up to someone and talking about what was going on.
"Don’t feel ashamed to acknowledge that you’re dealing with depression."
About Matt:
I’m a Canadian technology entrepreneur, social activist and artist. I love nature, truth, books and great friends. During my days, I help people improve their sex lives and relationships through my platform cambyo. We share honest stories from peoples’ intimate lives and connect people with vetted sex and relationship coaches who are a great fit for them.
What was the major turning point in your recovery from depression?
The major turning point was actually opening up to someone, in my case it was my mom. I silently struggled by myself for many months. She immediately told me that this was a normal thing and took me to a bookstore to buy me a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) workbook. Once I understood this was a common human occurrence and that there were solutions, I was able to get to work.
What are some things that really helped?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- A CBT workbook entitled “When Panic Attacks“
Recognizing a common human experience:
- Actually acknowledging that I was depressed and anxious instead of thinking I had just gone crazy. So basically knowing that it was a common human experience.
Aligning major life decisions:
- Being able to make decisions to shift my life to one that was more aligned with my authentic self. In this case, it meant quitting my job and becoming an entrepreneur.
Taking care of myself:
- Meditation, exercise, eight hours of sleep, plenty of nature and great nutrition are all important inputs for me to feel good.
What advice would you give to other guys fighting depression?
Open up to someone who can help you with this. They won’t think you’re weak, they will want to help. Suffering (especially of this kind) is a very common thing, don’t feel ashamed to acknowledge that you’re dealing with this. CBT, mindfulness and wellness can really help, at least that’s what worked for me.
– Matt Hunter, Canadian technology entrepreneur, founder of cambyo, social activist and artist, based out of Vancouver, BC, Canada.