Paolo's Story
Paolo shares how tips, like eating healthy and reaching out for support, have helped him combat ongoing depression and anxiety.
"Depression can be overwhelming and tiring, physically and mentally. But if you feel like you are worth it, then life is definitely worth living."
About Paolo:
I am Paolo Edmund Tuason. I am a psychiatric nurse who, ironically, is suffering from chronic anxiety and depression. Currently, I am working here in Germany, in a senior care facility, and would like to hone my skills as a nurse as well as have more in-depth experience when it comes to taking care of psychiatric clients. I am also a Health Coach and a Wellness Consultant. I was also an Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
Honestly [for me], recovery is still on the way. With depression, there will always be good days and bad days. And that’s just how life really is. But what’s most important is to deal with these feelings and emotions with optimism and positivity. Not all days will be great, nor will all days be terrible. It’s all a matter of mindset. A major point in choosing to recover is really telling yourself, “everything will be okay” and “trust your instincts”, because at the end of the day, you yourself are capable of changing your perspective in life. Family, friends and support groups can only help you as much as they can, at the end of the day, happiness and living in the moment are your own decisions.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
- Eat healthy! You are what you eat. And what you eat literally affects how you feel, what you think, how you react and how you process situations.
- Move! Scientific evidence has already concluded that movement releases endorphins, which makes us feel great and keeps us healthier, both physically and mentally. Exercise can also be a great form of mental resilience and motivation.
- Meditate. You can meditate anywhere, anytime. You don’t need to say chants and burn candles. You just need yourself and the consciousness of your body in order to calm yourself and relax your mind.
- Medication(s). There is no shame in taking antidepressants or anxiolytic agents. The first time the psychiatrist prescribed me antidepressants, I felt no shame in myself. On the contrary, it made me feel better. There will always be people who think otherwise, let them be. What is most important is your own recovery.
- Support. Reach out and talk to people. They can be family, friends, anonymous support systems, hotlines. Just do it. Being vulnerable will not make you feel like less of a person. We are only humans, after all.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
Depression can be overwhelming and tiring, physically and mentally. But if you feel like you are worth it, then life is definitely worth living. In this day and age, there are multiple sources of help that you can reach out to. Remember, you are not alone. You will never be alone. We are all in this together. Always.
– Paolo Edmund Tuason, Berlin, Germany