Peter Liciaga: My toughest fight is with Depression
The most important fight that I have is the one I am still battling with today, self-worth and depression.
This Depression demon has been hacking my life since I was a child and I battle it every single day. I have to wake up every morning and remind myself that I am not worthless and without value, meaning and purpose. I have to go through all the things I am thankful for and choose to fight this demon.
As a successful actor, martial arts instructor, educator and speaker, most people would fall off their seats if they asked me to describe myself to them when I am going through my battle. They would think, damn this guy thinks so little about himself and what he has done. It would confuse them. It’s not congruent with what they see.
Well it confuses me as well and that´s why I learn every day how to train my brain and stop being my own worst enemy. It´s a battle that I’ve come a long way with and hope to one day beat.
My film, Yes They Bleed, was written and produced as a way for me to start a journey to greater healing and awareness.
My martial arts training and teaching has helped me and has given me an opportunity to help others who may be struggling with similar challenges. I am not a therapist and I know that there are different types of depressions (mental, physical or medical), so I would not be so irresponsible as to say that martial arts is the answer to depression.
What I do know is that martial arts has given me the tools and the mindset to be a warrior and to always stand and fight a good fight.
One of my hopes in life is to help people know that they are not alone. No matter what they are going through, there are others that will partner up with them and join them in this battle. I will use my work as an actor, filmmaker, martial artist and eductor as a way to battle my inner demons.
just thought I’d share this….
