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Depression Recovery & Coding: How Programming Helped Me Heal

Depression almost ended my coding career. But in an unexpected twist, coding became my path to recovery. Here's how the very thing that seemed impossible became my salvation.

Monday, February 19, 2024 · 9 min read · By Kevin Moe Myint Myat

At my lowest point, I couldn’t write a single line of code. My brain felt like it was wrapped in cotton, and every problem seemed impossible. I was convinced I’d never code again.

    The Darkest Days

    
      Depression made coding feel like trying to solve calculus problems
      while underwater. I'd stare at my screen for hours, unable to focus,
      unable to think clearly, unable to remember basic syntax.
    

    
      
      
        Coding: the unexpected path to mental health recovery
      

    

    The Small Steps

    
      Recovery started with tiny coding tasks: fixing a simple bug, writing
      a basic function, reading documentation. Each small success was a step
      back toward myself.
    

    The Healing Power

    
      Coding gave me structure, purpose, and small victories to celebrate.
      It became my meditation, my therapy, and my proof that I was still
      capable of creating something meaningful.
    

    
      
        How has coding helped you through difficult times?
      

      
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