A Journey of Self-Discovery: From Medicine to Mental Health
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Chapter 1: Early Life and Challenges
In sharing my story, I often feel out of place, as I've always found it daunting to write about myself. Even my social media profiles are quite minimal. Compressing over three decades into a concise narrative is no easy feat. What should I highlight? What details are genuinely significant? I often worry that my experiences may come off as dull or overly detailed.
However, this task is also a welcomed opportunity. After some reflection, I found a pivotal moment in my life that I am eager to share—the time when my life began to make sense. But first, I must recount how everything fell apart.
Growing up in a picturesque coastal town in Greece, my childhood was largely carefree and intertwined with nature. Despite lacking discipline during my school years, I was fortunate to have inspiring teachers who guided me just in time for high school.
Surprisingly, I excelled enough in my national exams to gain admission to Medical School, where I encountered remarkable peers who were driven and focused. I began to lay the groundwork for a promising career. Yet, within months, the confidence I had built began to crumble, leaving me feeling lost and incompetent in the demanding field of Medicine.
This realization was hard to accept. I struggled to cope with my shortcomings, leading to a phase of heavy drinking as I sought solace. I was yearning for purpose and the joy of being competent in something. My days were filled with daydreams about vibrant and imaginative scenarios where I felt alive and fulfilled.
After a few years of wandering, I eventually graduated. Ironically, my lowest point hit immediately after this achievement. I had invested so much into a career that didn’t resonate with me, and it seemed pointless to persist in a path that felt inherently wrong.
In the following years, I battled numerous depressive episodes, and the panic attacks that began before my graduation only worsened. Yet, I kept pushing forward, though escaping the medical profession proved to be a challenge.
Fortunately, after starting my second job, the daily panic attacks became overwhelming, compelling my stubborn younger self to seek therapy. This marked a turning point where I could finally listen and reflect.
I vividly recall my therapist's words: “I rarely give advice, but you speak passionately about a profession you yearn for—why not consider psychiatry and become a therapist yourself?” Those words were transformative. The solution had been right in front of me all along! My previous rejection of psychiatry stemmed from discouraging experiences, and I had never taken the time to reassess my choice.
Through dialogue, I recognized the qualities that made me suitable for this path:
- I was naturally empathetic and patient.
- People felt comfortable sharing their thoughts with me.
- I had a talent for calming others in distress.
- Discussions about mental health inspired me.
- I spent my free time reading psychology literature.
The key lesson here was that sometimes the answers we seek are closer than we think. That was the moment my life began to align. I made the decision to transition into a career that felt authentic to me. Gradually, everything changed for the better. I regained my motivation, discipline, and confidence, and I embraced the challenges that came with this shift.
I knew I had made the right choice—the change within me felt like a missing piece falling into place. My mental well-being improved significantly, and I found fulfillment in assisting others on their paths to mental health and recovery. All it took was for someone to help me recognize what had been evident all along.
Now, I aspire to be that guiding voice for others.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story! I hope it resonates with you in some way.
Chapter 2: Embracing a New Path
The video "Orestis Chalkias - The Wonder Of You (Official Audio Release)" encapsulates the essence of transformation and self-discovery. In it, themes of hope and personal growth resonate deeply, mirroring the journey I’ve shared.