“I believe overcoming my depression is the greatest thing I will ever accomplish. In truth, nothing else can remotely come close. There is no greater battle than the one between one’s own soul and their unhealthy ego.”
~ Sal Crispo
Excerpt from: 20 Years in Darkness: Healing Depression Holistically (Coming Out Soon!)
Living with severe depression for the first 25 years of my life (remembering only 20) was torturous. It beat me up badly. Some days I just couldn’t handle it. As difficult as this is to admit, I nearly ended my life on several occasions. What’s worse, I kept this burden to myself. Back in those days, no one really talked about mental health so I didn’t understand what I was going through nor did I know how to share it with others.
Yet, as I reflect back now, I do not view this brutal phase that I went through as a curse. It was really a blessing in disguise. The depression drove me to search for answers. It turned me into a desperate seeker and I left no stone unturned. I delved deep into various aspects of the body, mind and spirit.
Years of relentless study and implementation of the holistic V10 Health principles (fitness, nutrition and lifestyle habits) not only led to my salvation, but it made me whole again. I put all the puzzle pieces together so that I could now live my life authentically and to the fullest. Honestly, I went from living in a state of utter hell, to living a heavenly one. And by heaven, I don’t mean my life is perfect now. I have gone through more difficult external, life-situations since I healed than when I was depressed. Naturally, I have a lot more stress and responsibilities as an adult than I did as a child and adolescent. However, because I am whole again on the inside, I am better suited to navigate through life’s ups and downs.
The way I see it, the depression and the suffering I endured because of it, forged me into the person I am today. I was viciously beaten mentally and emotionally, day in and day out, for about 20 years. And as the saying goes, ‘what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger’. I transformed from this incredibly weak, hopeless, helpless, blind, lost and shattered person, to one who now lives with great strength of character, purpose and conviction. The ever-present darkness that strangled me in my inner-world was replaced by a Light of love, peace, joy and wisdom.
What’s more, overcoming this disease has made me a much better coach. I know what it feels like to be at the lowest level of vitality (hitting rock bottom) and at the same time, I know what it takes to climb all the way up to the highest levels. Going through such an intense health challenge myself, has made me a lot more empathetic and mindful. I am able to support and guide others in overcoming their health challenges no matter what their starting point or v-score is currently. And because I am so passionate about helping others, as there is nothing more rewarding for me, I am truly grateful for having gone through this turbulent experience.
I hope by sharing this personal story about my struggles, it gives you the hope and belief that you can work through and rise above yours. If you are struggling in any way, physically, mentally and/or spiritually, and you do not know or have anyone to turn to, please feel free to reach out. Do not carry the burden alone. There are better alternatives. As a V10 Health Coach, I will help you see the big picture. I will show you where you’re starting from on the mountain and it might be at or near the bottom, but I will also show you how to take your first step upward.
Your V10 Health Coach,
Sal Crispo P.S. If you are interested, I also make a coaching video for each of these posts on YouTube. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel so you do not miss out on any of the valuable content I share. Here is the link for this post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pvGetIh4xA