From rock bottom to rising up—here's what I learned from my tough times

We’ve all been there—hitting rock bottom and feeling like there’s no way out. It’s that sinking feeling, as though you’re fighting a losing battle, and every obstacle seems insurmountable. If you’re questioning every decision you’ve ever made and nothing feels right, listen up. I’ve been in that exact place—confused, lost, and stuck in a rut that seemed to last forever. Then, something shifted. It wasn’t a dramatic revelation, but a quiet realisation: I was tired of waiting for things to get better, so I decided to take control. And that was the turning point.

Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective. That’s what really helped me turn things around. Just looking at things differently can make all the difference, and it’s the biggest lesson I learned from the tough times. Here’s how I did it.

Ride with the wave 

I remember being hit with a whirlwind of emotions all at once—heartbreak followed by the loss of a great job opportunity. It felt like everything was falling apart. Times like these can trick you into thinking it’s the end of the world. But here’s the thing—there’s always a glimmer of hope, even if it’s hard to see at first. All you need to do is look up and keep moving forward. Changing the narrative is key, and that’s exactly what I did. I learned to ride life like a wave, not resisting the tough times but embracing them and learning from them. Accepting the situation was incredibly liberating.

They’re essential

The person I am now wants to tell everyone, especially my younger self, that tough times can actually be good for you. They’re like hidden character-building lessons. The challenges I faced not only made me stronger but also brought out a side of me I didn’t know existed—my entrepreneurial spirit! Once I channelled my energy into work, I came up with a brilliant independent career idea, and before I knew it, most of my problems started to melt away. Honestly, I never would have considered working for myself if I hadn’t felt so lost and out of options. I truly believe life brought me to that point to unlock my true potential. It’s true what they say: diamonds are made under pressure.

Feel your feelings

For a long time, I did everything I could to avoid my feelings—shutting myself away in my room, binge-watching Netflix, and comfort-eating. Not my finest moment. You might get away with it for a while, but eventually, you have to face your emotions and deal with the real issues. Stress-eating is neither healthy nor sustainable. The longer you ignore your problems, the bigger they become. It’s okay to cry, really. It feels like a weight lifting off your shoulders, and science actually backs this up. Once you allow yourself to feel, you’ll feel lighter, make better decisions, and gain clarity. So, skip the junk food and just let yourself feel—it's part of the process.

Only you can get yourself out 

I spent days lying in bed, which, understandably, worried my parents. They called my friends, hoping someone could talk some sense into me. While those conversations provided temporary distraction, the real work was mine to do. That’s when it hit me: no one could help me but myself. And this is true for all of us. No matter how close you are to your support network, no one can truly help you if you’re not ready to help yourself. It’s all about mindset. Even at rock bottom, you’ve got to find that inner strength to push your way back up. The next day, I stepped out of my room, much to my parents’ relief, and went for a run. It was the most freeing experience. Remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way—and that will has to come from you.

It’s okay to seek help

As someone who doesn’t usually open up easily, I get the whole “I’ve got this on my own” mindset. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to carry the weight of the world by yourself. We’re wired to be interdependent—emotionally and socially. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need support, asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. It takes real courage to recognise when you need help, whether it’s from a professional or a friend. Talking to a therapist helped me organise my thoughts, regain control of my life, and start moving forward again.

So, if you're going through a rough patch, hang in there. Time passes, and good things are coming your way. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. You’ve got this.

Lead image credit: Unsplash

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