273. Struggling with Depression, She Learned How Masks Keep Us Down

Debbie McIntosh

She recalls her new life in Manchester, England, as a fabulous time, pursuing her passions in singing and acting. Then, things started unraveling: her marriage broke up; her father died tragically; and she was spiraling downward into a deep depression. She woke up one morning with an empty wine bottle in her hand and her son asleep in another room.

Debbie McIntosh conquered her clinical depression as a result of learning how to “remove her mask.” Recognizing she had been saved for a reason, she began her quest to help others. She quit her day job and launched a website to help individuals master their mindset. Now, she’s coaching people around the world, helping them identify and remove their masks and create the best version of themselves in a safe and positive environment.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

On her journey of recovery, Debbie earned her degree in early childhood studies and disability studies. Although she worked awhile in the field as a volunteer, her life took an unexpected turn. Learning about the masks we all wear as we face life, then successfully managing to remove her own masks, Debbie fully shifted her focus to the work she is now doing. Her work includes individual clients and small groups—both in person and online.

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

Moving south from her birthplace—Newcastle, in the north of England to Manchester—was a major life change. “It was a fabulous part of my life. It gave me inroads into my passions for singing and acting. I did a lot of amateur dramatics and opera, which led me into college at the age of 32, doing performing arts toward my BTEC (further education). Unfortunately, after that, things started to deteriorate. My marriage was falling apart. My father was killed quite tragically. It kicked off a kind of clinical depression. With help, I started coming out of the rabbit hole and finding the light at the end of the tunnel. Through personal development techniques and behavioral therapy, I came out of all that and became a wellness coach. I began to help individuals, working mainly with eating disorders. I also managed, at the age of 47, to complete a first class honors degree.”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

On a hiking and camping trip on the Inca Trail in Peru—to raise funds for disabled kids—Debbie had a kind of epiphany. “It was one of the best times of my life. When you’re up there, looking down at Machu Picchu, your whole life is there in front of you. That was a moment that got me to realize that I should go out and do what I wanted to do, and stop doing what other people are telling me to do. I realized my life is mine to live, and not someone else’s to dictate and control.” Another mask was removed.