Wow, guys, I have so much to say, but I’ll keep it brief and perhaps share more in the Facebook group since this is my first post on your content. Matt, I hope you know how deeply we value your authentic vulnerability. Over the past two years, I’ve faced severe episodes of depression, and following your journey and what you choose to share has truly anchored me through some of my lowest points. It’s even helped me begin reframing my relationship with mental illness. I see you, brother-thank you for being a mirror and for making it okay. And Reno, you are simply divine. I see so much of myself in you, and it constantly reminds me not to abandon those parts of myself. Thank you both (and Michael) for being such powerful inspirations in my life 💙
Thank you so much for your words and for sharing a bit of your journey with us-it means the world to know our stories resonate with you. We’re honored to be part of your journey. 💙
UGH, I just want to say how much it means to me that you all are talking about this. I love how the three of you, including Michael, have such soothing and healing voices-it’s honestly so comforting to listen to. I wanted to share that I’ve struggled with severe depression over the past 4 or 5 years, especially after moving back to my hometown during the pandemic. It felt like I had one life-a city life filled with friends, dinners, and a social routine-and then suddenly, I moved back home with almost no friends, no life, and no income. Unemployment really triggered my depression, and it messed with my entire sense of reality. I had more existential struggles before, but nothing prepared me for how deeply unemployment would affect me. In the past few years, I’ve basically depleted my savings. But, like you said, I think maybe this whole period was about getting some deep rest. Recently, I’ve started finding freelance work that’s brought in money more consistently, and the depression has really lifted because of that. Now, in my mid-forties, my life looks so different from the fast-paced city life I once had. I do mourn that old life sometimes, but there’s also a new sense of hope with the long-term projects I’ve got coming up. Anyway, thank you again for having these conversations. I wish I could speak this openly with close friends, but it’s really hard!
Thank you so much for sharing this, and we're incredibly moved by your story. We're glad to hear things are lifting, and that you’re finding new hope and direction.
For me, discovering the right prescription medication for my depression/anxiety/OCD was a godsend. I’ve been taking a combination of medications over the past 35 years, and they have made a vast improvement in my life. Others began to notice the changes in me soon after I began taking these, and I myself noticed a new-found energy and desire in my life, as I pursue my hobbies and healthy living. Also, as I got older, I found myself taking more and more naps, honoring my body’s needs.
❤ This episode touched me in many ways. Matt, I've always felt a connection with you, perhaps it's that we're both Geminis. You're highly knowledgeable in your chosen profession and communicate well. Reno, your demeanor and persona of being pleasantly quiet and erudite gives the podcast balance. I've been dealing with depression and anxiety since childhood. I'm now 69 yo and have learned to live with the depression by accepting and owning it. By choosing to not let depression have the upper hand, it simply remains a minor influence over my mental health. It's kept at a minimum by leaving my persona through my writings and paintings. The two natural talents are simply my medicine for expelling depression. The philosophy of astrology has never felt sensible to me, but I can't ignore that I'm a Gemini person with all of its characteristics which has help dealing with depression. ❤ Thanks, guys, Gary W Willbanks
Gary, thank you for sharing your story and your journey-it’s inspiring how you’ve turned to creativity as a way to manage depression. We’re so glad the episode resonated with you, and it’s truly a gift to have you here with us. ❤
What you both had to say today hit home with me. Especially about sitting in silence. I've lost two people very close to me recently, and have heard every platitude imaginable. But one good friend has just sat quietly with me through my grief and adjustment, letting me talk when I want to about my losses. And she has encouraged me to get out more and sort of rejoin the community. You both are so wise and helpful. Bless you both and Michael, too!
Thank you so much for sharing this-we're deeply moved by your story, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the power of quiet presence and true friendship. Blessings to you as well. ❤
For me, discovering the right prescription medication for my depression/anxiety/OCD was a godsend. I’ve been taking a combination of medications over the past 35 years, and they have made a vast improvement in my life. Others began to notice the changes in me soon after I began taking these, and I myself noticed a new-found energy and desire in my life, as I pursue my hobbies and healthy living. Also, as I got older, I found myself taking more and more naps, honoring my body’s needs. One other thing I have learned is to live in the present time, the here and now. This goes hand in hand with what Matt mentions about not identifying with your thoughts, in order to keep anxiety at bay.
It’s amazing to hear how much finding the right medication has helped you over the years! That’s such a great reminder about living in the moment-it really does make a difference. Thanks for sharing your journey!😍
As a black gay man in his 50's living with the extremes of bipolar disorder, personally depression is actually very physical for me. I can physically feel a complete shift in my body, and even with meds have to let it run it's course, which thankfully because of medication and therapy, runs for a shorter duration than before treatment. It can still be brutal sometimes, with the most recent episode almost left me hospitalized. My bipolar disorder was actually discovered after receiving a Clinical Depression diagnosis. Most people eventually diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder are first being seen for depression, because nobody sees a psychiatrist when they're happy (manic). Overall, this is why mental health care has to be just as important as physical health, even primary doctors can provide basic evaluation for depression and anxiety. Thanks for this discussion
Thank you for sharing your journey with such honesty-it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health care, and we're grateful you’re here adding your voice to this conversation. Sending you strength and support. ❤
Wow, guys, I have so much to say, but I’ll keep it brief and perhaps share more in the Facebook group since this is my first post on your content. Matt, I hope you know how deeply we value your authentic vulnerability. Over the past two years, I’ve faced severe episodes of depression, and following your journey and what you choose to share has truly anchored me through some of my lowest points. It’s even helped me begin reframing my relationship with mental illness. I see you, brother-thank you for being a mirror and for making it okay. And Reno, you are simply divine. I see so much of myself in you, and it constantly reminds me not to abandon those parts of myself. Thank you both (and Michael) for being such powerful inspirations in my life 💙
Thank you so much for your words and for sharing a bit of your journey with us-it means the world to know our stories resonate with you. We’re honored to be part of your journey. 💙
Depression has had such a major impact on my life. This video was helpful. Thank you guys as always.
We're glad to know that it's helpful to you. Thank you for watching!🥰
UGH, I just want to say how much it means to me that you all are talking about this. I love how the three of you, including Michael, have such soothing and healing voices-it’s honestly so comforting to listen to.
I wanted to share that I’ve struggled with severe depression over the past 4 or 5 years, especially after moving back to my hometown during the pandemic. It felt like I had one life-a city life filled with friends, dinners, and a social routine-and then suddenly, I moved back home with almost no friends, no life, and no income. Unemployment really triggered my depression, and it messed with my entire sense of reality.
I had more existential struggles before, but nothing prepared me for how deeply unemployment would affect me. In the past few years, I’ve basically depleted my savings. But, like you said, I think maybe this whole period was about getting some deep rest.
Recently, I’ve started finding freelance work that’s brought in money more consistently, and the depression has really lifted because of that. Now, in my mid-forties, my life looks so different from the fast-paced city life I once had. I do mourn that old life sometimes, but there’s also a new sense of hope with the long-term projects I’ve got coming up.
Anyway, thank you again for having these conversations. I wish I could speak this openly with close friends, but it’s really hard!
Thank you so much for sharing this, and we're incredibly moved by your story. We're glad to hear things are lifting, and that you’re finding new hope and direction.
@@GayMenGoingDeeper Thank you!
For me, discovering the right prescription medication for my depression/anxiety/OCD was a godsend. I’ve been taking a combination of medications over the past 35 years, and they have made a vast improvement in my life. Others began to notice the changes in me soon after I began taking these, and I myself noticed a new-found energy and desire in my life, as I pursue my hobbies and healthy living. Also, as I got older, I found myself taking more and more naps, honoring my body’s needs.
What med r u on that's so effective?
Well done! I have had a toolbox that has worked in the past. I have realized that my toolbox needs to be updated or purged to make space for growth.
Thank you! Recognizing when it’s time to update your toolbox is such a powerful step-making space for growth is always worth it. 😍
❤ This episode touched me in many ways. Matt, I've always felt a connection with you, perhaps it's that we're both Geminis. You're highly knowledgeable in your chosen profession and communicate well. Reno, your demeanor and persona of being pleasantly quiet and erudite gives the podcast balance. I've been dealing with depression and anxiety since childhood. I'm now 69 yo and have learned to live with the depression by accepting and owning it. By choosing to not let depression have the upper hand, it simply remains a minor influence over my mental health. It's kept at a minimum by leaving my persona through my writings and paintings. The two natural talents are simply my medicine for expelling depression. The philosophy of astrology has never felt sensible to me, but I can't ignore that I'm a Gemini person with all of its characteristics which has help dealing with depression. ❤ Thanks, guys, Gary W Willbanks
Gary, thank you for sharing your story and your journey-it’s inspiring how you’ve turned to creativity as a way to manage depression. We’re so glad the episode resonated with you, and it’s truly a gift to have you here with us. ❤
What you both had to say today hit home with me. Especially about sitting in silence. I've lost two people very close to me recently, and have heard every platitude imaginable. But one good friend has just sat quietly with me through my grief and adjustment, letting me talk when I want to about my losses. And she has encouraged me to get out more and sort of rejoin the community. You both are so wise and helpful. Bless you both and Michael, too!
Thank you so much for sharing this-we're deeply moved by your story, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the power of quiet presence and true friendship. Blessings to you as well. ❤
Totally agree with everything you covered plus the most ignored tool, leaning on faith and my higher power.
For me, discovering the right prescription medication for my depression/anxiety/OCD was a godsend. I’ve been taking a combination of medications over the past 35 years, and they have made a vast improvement in my life. Others began to notice the changes in me soon after I began taking these, and I myself noticed a new-found energy and desire in my life, as I pursue my hobbies and healthy living. Also, as I got older, I found myself taking more and more naps, honoring my body’s needs.
One other thing I have learned is to live in the present time, the here and now. This goes hand in hand with what Matt mentions about not identifying with your thoughts, in order to keep anxiety at bay.
It’s amazing to hear how much finding the right medication has helped you over the years! That’s such a great reminder about living in the moment-it really does make a difference. Thanks for sharing your journey!😍
As a black gay man in his 50's living with the extremes of bipolar disorder, personally depression is actually very physical for me. I can physically feel a complete shift in my body, and even with meds have to let it run it's course, which thankfully because of medication and therapy, runs for a shorter duration than before treatment. It can still be brutal sometimes, with the most recent episode almost left me hospitalized.
My bipolar disorder was actually discovered after receiving a Clinical Depression diagnosis. Most people eventually diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder are first being seen for depression, because nobody sees a psychiatrist when they're happy (manic).
Overall, this is why mental health care has to be just as important as physical health, even primary doctors can provide basic evaluation for depression and anxiety.
Thanks for this discussion
Thank you for sharing your journey with such honesty-it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health care, and we're grateful you’re here adding your voice to this conversation. Sending you strength and support. ❤
Evidence based therapy against clinical depression targets two processes social withdrawal and rumination