Fighting depression: Learning to love yourself and the ups and downs of life

Hello Matices, thank you very much for agreeing to speak to us. Could you tell us a little about yourself? 

My name is Quini Corbalán, I have a degree in Hispanic Philology from Murcia University. I'm 57 and have two daughters aged 28 y 31.

What were the first signs of your depression? 

The first sign was insomnia that lasted for years. Later on, I couldn't even eat anymore, and I felt extremely sad and anxious.

What was it like when you were diagnosed? What was your reaction? 

It was a classic depression diagnosis: very serious chronic depression... not that I had any strength left to react.

Were you prescribed any medication? Was it effective?

Yes. There were a lot of medications at first, and they were effective. The best thing was I could sleep again… it was like a miracle for me.

Were you referred for therapy? What were the results?

I also had psychotherapy. Alone, as a couple and as a family, and it did have some results. I always wanted to escape from depression and I had to be very disciplined.

When was the moment when you felt you needed to take charge of your health and start doing your own research? What caused it?

I think it was over 6 years ago, and it was very much a result of my mother's passing. I started reading books, authors, going to conferences, workshops, etc…and it all started to add up.

In the forum you often talk about self-esteem, positivity, and recognizing your emotions… are these techniques that you've used on yourself? Could you explain them to us more in-depth? 

Yes, those are a few of the techniques.

I started to feel 100% responsible for my situation and stopped blaming everybody else. I began to understand the power of my words and my thoughts and the impact they have on me. I started to be grateful for everything. To see problems as an opportunity for growth and evolution. How to be intuitive and reactive. How to be resilient. Practicing compassion…and I could go on and on.

And do you find them helpful?

They've been a critical and essential part of my success.

Have you tried any alternative medicines (hypnosis, diet changes, animal therapy, etc.) in your battle against depression?

I've tried Biodecoding, Pranic Healing (forgiveness technique), NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming therapy), meditation, etc..

How has this illness changed you? 

I'm grateful to it for the changes and transformation it's provoked in me. My illness opened up the opportunity to know myself, to love myself, to awaken my consciousness, on a spiritual level as well.

Has depression had an impact on your private and professional lives? 

Of course it has. On a professional level, after training as a life coach, and in NLP, numerology, and after years of study, reflection and research, I've come to the conclusion that I've found my purpose in life: using my experiences to help others.

I'm just starting out, but I'd like to reach more people and share with them...

How are you doing now? 

Even if I can't say I'm 100% cured, I know I'm on the right path, and there's no going back.

What message or advice would you like to give to patients suffering from Depression and/or to their families? 

A positive message? That you can get through depression, and come out stronger than before.

It won't be overnight. But as long as you really want it and are focused, everything will eventually fall into place.

Goodbye, everyone.

Many thanks to Quini for sharing her story with us on Carenity!

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