My Mental Health Story #WorldMentalHealthDay

In honor of World Mental Health Day (which was on the 10th), I'm sharing with you all my own mental health story and the struggles I've had with depression over the course of my life. I'm hoping to break down barriers and destigmatize talking about mental health and how we talk about treatment and accepting this very difficult element of ourselves. Plus which, I'd like to educate people out there on the effects of my own mental illnesses to better be of service to their own friends.

#worldmentalhealthday2020 #dealingwithdepression #destigmatizementalillness #drexfactorpoi

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[chapstickit]

As a therapist, I wanted to thank you for helping to advocate for mental health care. "You don't have to be sick to get better, " is commonly how I talk about the benefits of therapy for all of us simply struggling to be human on this Earth. Stigma around mental health remains the biggest obstacle for people seeking care and support, but videos like this are going to help chip away at that. Thank you.

[claytonrothenbuehler]

Glad we are all still here alive ♥️ I can relate to Drex so much

[jillk]

Thank you for this message, and thank you for doing the hard work of getting healthier. The world would be sadder without you in it.

[abigailleatherman]

Thank you for the courage and care it takes to talk personally about mental health. Helps me and others so much to destigmatize the subject and put it out in the open.

[PoiFriends]

Thank you for sharing! It’s nice to know that none of us are alone in our experiences. I have PTSD and depression, and most of the people that I interact with on a daily basis would never know. Like you said, people assume they know what depression looks like. I support people taking the meds they need. I avoid medication for myself. Partially fear, for me as well. The doctor put me on the 2 safest options on the market and I had really horrible reactions to both, including a medical emergency. It was severe and scary, and we learned that I’m one of those 1% of people that have severe and allergic reactions to them. I’m now unwilling to try more. So, I explore alternative options and just keep swimming!

[CutiepieTinWhistle]

We lost a friend last year to suicide, and most people didn't even spot the signs. Talking about it openly is definitely the way forward! I know so many people struggling through it in their own way, but a problem shared is always better than one kept to yourself. This is a wonderful video, you have nothing to feel ashamed of and I'm sure everyone watching this is feeling the same as I am. Honoured that you've allowed us in <3 proud that you've found the strength to be open and thankful that you've raised awareness and found ways to work through yourself too. We're not judging you for who you are, we love watching you for precisely that - YOU. You're awesome, exactly as you are. If you EVER want to talk to a stranger, I'll happily listen/chat. Keep being you, you're doing great! :) x

[CeanHerzfield]

It's very brave of you to speak to openly about this issue. I never could. I just keep it too myself and isolate myself from the world. This November I will be 48 years old and wondering what to do with the rest of my life. All my greatest fears are still ahead of me. I just hope I have the strength to make it through all of this.

[krystenhagedorn]

I love the specificity of this video so far. The ten point scale, and the different variations of how depression shows itself is fascinating, and so very relatable. I love the insight into therapy sessions. Also, it shows how much work you put into yourself as an individual. This video is awesomesauce. Thanks for sharing <3

[marikowhyte]

Absolutely love your honestly and wholesomeness. It’s so awesome to hear more people speak up about their own journeys with mental health.

[midnightoil]

Thank you for sharing this. A friend of mine took his life earlier this year. men seem to see this type of thing as weakness so doesnt get talked about and it needs to be talked about alot more. It's not weakness it just shows you are human. I've been on mild medication for years and it helped me out alot. Big hugs from uk. Xx

[jannagrant]

So glad you spoke about it! I feel like disappearing to pushed away. Glad u didnt take medication. Glad u have a good councelor. Dont worry about what people will do . Worry about the THOUSANDS of people u helped by opening up.

[Isamazingstudiobykblake]

Thank you for sharing this! Its a hard enough world to live in without having to add mental issues. You are shining through it in the best way. Thank you for being. #mentalhealthmatters

[TonyManso]

I think you're awesome! I think that this video will help many people who suffer with depression and anxiety. I myself use poi spinning as a way to get back to focus when I get overwhelmed with things. I wouldn't even know how to swing poi if it weren't for you, so thank you!

[TyMaiShu]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been having a really hard time lately and seeing this made me reach out to some friends and let them know how hard I've been struggling. Thank you, thank you SO much.

[JaviAirwraps]

Therapy and medication for me, I rustle with this as well. You da man for talking about it on here

[chrisburke]

Thank you drex this resonates a lot with me and I really appreciate your advice. Thank you for your videos and continuing to help all of us and for your support.

[陳柏廷-up]

Thank you Drex~
I don't depress that much because I didn't isolate myself with others, and it turned out I made a lot of trouble for others and for me later to realize :P good thing I still have friends understood and accept that

[konisworld]

Hi Drex, you are not a burden!!! You are one of the best human beings I have ever met, I know only on YouTube, but I can feel you are are really awesome person. You did not only light up my world, but I'm spinning poi for my friends and all of them love it. And I can do this only because of your great content and personality. I love you so much, thanks and keep spinning, koni :)

[cycleofgrowth]

I can relate so very much to what you said. Thank you so very much for being so brave and sharing that.

[Isamazingstudiobykblake]

Inspirational! I am proud of you too. Flow arts saved my life.