Sebastian's Story
Sebastian shares how acknowledging something was wrong and getting help led him to chase his passions, helping in his depression recovery.
“Anything that keeps my mind from dwelling in the past or the anxieties of the future [helps]. I am talking about team sports, meditation and painting. I do not see it as avoiding my thoughts, but learning to appreciate the moment and understanding that “my now” is actually pretty good.”
About Sebastian:
I am a former creative director, who worked in the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Germany. After 30 years, I eventually burned out, developed a nasty tinnitus and left the advertising industry in 2020 to become a full-time artist.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
It’s too early. I can’t yet speak of a turning point, but have to say that the acknowledgement of something going wrong with me and the seeking of help, is what prevented a deeper, darker starting point for my recovery.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
The give and take of love… and when that’s not on the menu, anything that keeps my mind from dwelling in the past or the anxieties of the future. I am talking about team sports, meditation and painting. I do not see it as avoiding my thoughts, but learning to appreciate the moment and understanding that “my now” is actually pretty good.
As I am finding out, meditation is also an especially powerful tool. The better I get at it, the more I make it part of my life. Even in short, little bits, like when walking or in the car. Here I simply train the focus of my consciousness to stay with my breath or sounds to curb my mind’s wanderlust.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
As mentioned, I have an agonizing, somatic tinnitus, but luckily my depression isn’t that severe. I am currently undergoing a lot of therapy with a low dose of antidepressant, but believe my decisions to become an artist and end a dead-end relationship to find more purpose in activities I have a passion for, is what ultimately will get me over the hill. Good luck!
– Sebastian, Düsseldorf, Germany