Navigating the Depths

Life has a way of throwing curveballs and sometimes with speed. For me, it felt like the universe decided to unleash a whirlwind of challenges all at once. Three moves, two across states, one to somewhere I didn’t have a friend or family member for 800 miles (when you’re already in a dark state of mind, this seems absolutely abysmal). Then the hope of a career change followed by months of unemployment, a heart-wrenching breakup that feels more like a death, and then the actual death of my dog (I can’t make this stuff up). Each of these events ranks among the top ten most stressful life experiences a person can encounter... So let's dive in!

The past year and a half has been a rollercoaster of stress, fear, anxiety, and heartache. There were days when I thought I couldn't sink any lower, only to find myself plummeting deeper into despair the next. It's a place no one wishes to visit—a grandiose pot of what I can only describe as "shit stew" brewing in my mind.

I'm sharing all of this for a simple reason: When I witness or hear about someone else's struggles, it brings me a sense of comfort and hope. (I know, it might sound strange, but hear me out). A sense of comfort in knowing that I'm not alone in my struggles. It's oddly reassuring to realize that others out there are grappling with similar emotions and challenges. And it's this shared experience that gives me the hope—the knowledge that people do bounce back, including myself. Hopefully, I'm not an exception, and neither are you. It may feel like the end in our lowest moments. I've been there, I've felt it, and that feeling is undeniably real, but then again maybe it’s not the end and we’ll be just fine.

Posts like the one I'm writing here have the power to reach deep into the core of people. They resonate not only with those closest to us but also with anyone who has experienced or is experiencing difficult times. Some may dismissively say, "Oh, that's not so bad. I've been through worse." But it's not about comparing experiences; it's about understanding how our individual minds perceive and process those experiences. The feelings we endure are real and can be truly devastating. But when we open up about our struggles, we can create a sense of connection and understanding that transcends boundaries.

Full disclosure, this writing is for me—a space where I can pour out my thoughts and emotions, and perhaps find a sliver of relief in the process. If my words can offer even the slightest comfort to someone else, then that’s a proverbial bonus.

In the days, weeks, and months to come, I'll be sharing the steps I'm taking to climb out of the abyss. I'm no expert on mental health, but I can offer my own anecdotal experiences and insights. It's not about prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution; it's about sharing what I’m doing. I’m not even sure it’s right but that’s the climax we’re all waiting for. This isn’t the right or wrong way, it’s just my way.

One thing I've learned so far is the power of sitting with my thoughts. In a world that urges us to distract ourselves from discomfort, I chose to lay into it (why not if you can’t turn it off anyway). Here's the truth: when you're in an extreme state of mind, it’s nearly impossible to turn your mind off. Instead of fighting it and driving myself crazy with conventional remedies, I chose to just lay into it.

During my two-day drive from the South to the North, I embraced the silence and allowed my thoughts to flow freely. The key was not to take action but to simply sit with these thoughts. It's incredibly difficult when every fiber of your being is urging you to fight or find immediate relief. But you can't. You have to let the thoughts wash over you, let them be traumatic.

Traumatic events have a way of sticking with us, shaping our perspectives and behaviors. If we want to grow and learn from these life-altering experiences, we must allow the trauma to embed its lessons within us. I know this may sound harsh, but it's also oddly empowering. Yes, the situation may be dreadful (this shit sucks), but the knowledge gained from it is invaluable and everlasting. To be clear, don’t confuse this with abusive trauma, that is something completely different and should be addressed completely differently.

So join me on this journey and follow me on Instagram: (@mikey_g_whiz). This is where I’ll post what I’m trying and let's see if I'm or we’re the exception or not.