Jeremie's Story
Jeremie shares his story of running toward his fears rather than away from them, in order to pursue the things he really cares about.
"For me, depression is my body telling me that I am not living a life of purpose."
About Jeremie:
I’m a guy who’s been listening to my heart when times are challenging and, for the past 8 years now, I’ve been using my fears as my life directions. I am the creator of the Men in Tubs Calendar, where the mission is to create a world of vulnerability and connection through artistic human experiences.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
When I was 29, I made a commitment to personal development. I began reading and listening to audiobooks about business, self-help, and more. This led me to a complete transformational experience, which was an Ayahuasca* retreat in Peru. During this retreat, I learned 4 things that had a large impact on me:
- First, I realized that I have been running away from my problems my whole life.
- Second, I learned that I experience the belief of being a loser.
- Third, if I am wrong, I have the power to change it.
- Fourth, being scared and feeling resistance means that there is something of value for me in that experience. Whatever the thing is that’s causing that fear in me is something important to me, and I need to go towards that to give my life greater meaning.
After my retreat, I asked myself, “What am I the most afraid to do with my life right now?” The answer was to go to photography school. So that’s what I did. That brought me to the creation of the Men in Tubs Calendar, which is part of a mission to create a world of vulnerability and connection through artistic human experiences.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
- The biggest was my full transformational Ayahuasca retreat.
- Facing my fears and going toward them rather than running from them.
- Finding my purpose and living it. That purpose is to create a world of vulnerability and connection through artistic human experiences.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
For me, depression is my body telling me that I am not living a life of purpose. This signals that whatever I am currently doing in my life is not working. From that place, I can then seek any kind of healing path that calls and embarks on a personal discovery from within, with help and guidance from healers.
– Jeremie Jalapeno, Nelson, BC, Canada
*Note that there is insufficient evidence for the use of ayahuasca to help with depression. Although a very small number of preliminary studies[1][2][3] have produced results suggestive of possible benefit, much more research is needed. Like all psychedelic substances, ayahuasca can potentially increase the risk of serious health issues, like psychosis (especially in individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis). Before trying any psychoactive substance, it is always recommended to seek the advice and supervision of a qualified medical professional.