Acceptance is the first step in Overcoming Depression and Anxiety

When I was first struggling with depression almost 20 years ago, I didn’t even know that such an illness existed. All I knew was that I was waking up early each morning and was unable to get back to sleep. As time went on I became more and more fatigued, yet had to try and put on a happy and positive mask, as I was working in sales environment where this was essential. As a man, I felt I should have been able to sort this out for myself, and when I wasn’t able to, I felt more and more desperate. Eventually my outlook was so bleak that it lead to 3 suicide attempts. Thankfully they weren’t successful, and not seeing any other option, I saw a psychiatrist who admitted me to a psychiatric hospital. I was prescribed anti depressants the next day. Fortunately I responded quickly to them, and with in 2 weeks I was back at work.

Whilst this was 20 years ago and the awareness of depression was very low, like many people (particularly men) I found it very difficult to admit that I wasn’t coping. I felt it reflected a weakness and didn’t want others to know. I came agonisingly close to not ever finding out that depression is a very treatable illness and that I could go on to lead a very fulfilling life. My big mistake was not reaching out for help earlier. I felt people would think less of me, for not being