Overcoming Depression and Anxiety Through Altruism

Practical Examples

A lot of people want to be a success in their career. What if you went into a job interview and made it all about the interviewer or the company that you were wanting to work for? To really look at things from their perspective. Not only would you "get on" with the interviewer but your answers would be tailored to meet their requirements. Why? Because you would be thinking about things from their perspective. You would be considerate to their needs.

A lot of people want to start a business to make a lot of money to support their family. If you want to do this, you'll need to create a product that people need and want to buy. So a key component is to be "in touch" with your customers. Alternatively, what if you wanted to enter politics and get elected? What would you need to do? You'd need to know what the issues or concerns of the people were first, so that they would actually listen to what you have to say. This is why politicians use focus groups, to see what issues are important to the public.

Personal Story

When I was in high-school, I would get "average" marks on my report cards, barely passing my subjects. I remember reading comments that said I had a strong concern for others and thinking nothing of it, preferring to be considered a hard worker or intelligent. However, upon reflection I strongly believe that this is one of the most important things that anyone could say about me. I pride myself on having a concern for others and you should as well.

I don't believe that this value is appreciated in society. Much more individualistic traits such as hard work, determination, grit, intelligence are more highly valued. But as I have shown in this chapter, having a concern for others can bring about extraordinary success in life. Why? Because you make it about other people. This enables you to be more efficient, focused and even strategic in life.

Depression and Anxiety

A lot of people when they suffer mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, really do become focused on themselves. What about me? But they don't do it in a wisely selfish manner. They worry about what other people think? They worry about their career or how they are going to make money or they worry about when they are going to get over it or the burden placed on their family and loved ones.

The people who really are able to transform their mental health issues are the ones who have a motivation to help others suffering from it. They don't make it about themselves. Take Lance Armstrong for example, the famous cyclist who overcome testicular cancer and won the Tour de France 7 times. He has created his own charitable foundation called Livestrong and has dedicated his life to the promotion of testicular cancer and preventing it in others.

So what are you doing?

I'm not saying that you have to create your own charitable foundation. The size of the action isn't what is important. What matters is your motivation. It occurs at all moments in your life. When you speak with others, while at work. When listening to others. How you choose to spend your leisure time? How you interact with your children?

It really comes down to motivation. Your motivation for doing things in life. Make your motivation about other people and try not to focus as much on yourself. Try to change your motivation towards compassion the next time you are in a conversation with someone. Really try to understand where they are coming from and what it may be like to be them at that particular moment in time. As a result, you may find that all your thoughts and concerns just drift away. It really is the fastest way to get out of your head.

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