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Home Blog Gary Fahey | Road to Recovery: Overcoming Addiction and Depression
8May

Gary Fahey | Road to Recovery: Overcoming Addiction and Depression
By Sonia Goss | Blog, Podcast, Real Talk With Outperformers, Gary Fahey, AFP, STRONG MEND | 8 May 2023 |
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If you Google ‘Gary Fahey’, there are plenty of news articles describing his incredible downfall from one of the highest ranked positions held in the Australian Federal Police to being investigated for fraudulent activity using the departments credit card. A journey that included hidden depression and gambling addiction resulting in a debt that almost reached $2 million, all happening during his time as leading then prime-minister Kevin Rudd’s protection team and then executive officer advising then-Australian Federal Police commissioner Andrew Colvin. How did it all unravel and how could these events be, in his own words “the best thing that ever happened”? Find out in our latest podcast episode of Real Talk With Outperformers hosted by Brad Eisenhuth. Here are some of the podcast highlights.

Destination Addictions

Gary explains ‘destination addictions’ as activities or pursuits that people engage in to escape their negative emotions or life circumstances, such as workaholism, substance abuse, gambling, or sex addiction.Fahey explains that many high-performing individuals, including business leaders, are prone to developing destination addictions because of the pressure and stress that come with their roles. They may use work or other addictive behaviors as a coping mechanism to avoid dealing with their underlying emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.Fahey stresses the importance of recognizing and addressing these underlying issues to overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery. He also emphasizes the need for a supportive environment, such as a therapist or a peer support group, to help individuals overcome their addiction and maintain their mental health.

3 point strategy to move on from the past

The first step was admitting that he had a problem and seeking help. Gary had to come to terms with the fact that his addiction was not something he could solve on his own and that he needed professional help. He reached out to a therapist and joined a peer support group to start his journey to recovery. The second step was identifying the underlying issues that contributed to his addiction. Gary discovered that his addiction was a coping mechanism for his anxiety and depression. By understanding the root cause of his addiction, he was better equipped to deal with his mental health issues and overcome his addiction. The third step was developing a plan for long-term recovery. Gary understood that recovery is a lifelong process and that he needed to make changes in his life to maintain his mental health. He developed a self-care routine that included exercise, mindfulness practices, and healthy social connections to help him stay on track. These steps are not only applicable to Gary's personal journey, but they can also be helpful to anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Admitting the problem, identifying the underlying issues, and developing a plan for long-term recovery are crucial steps towards a healthier and happier life.

Building self confidence to move on from the past

Gary emphasizes the need to rebuild self-confidence by making and keeping promises to ourselves to move on from the past. He suggests starting with small promises and gradually increasing the level of difficulty as we build confidence in ourselves. For example, if we commit to going for a walk every day for a week, we are more likely to follow through if we start with a manageable goal and gradually increase the time or distance. Gary also suggests seeking support from others, such as a therapist or a support group, to help us overcome the negative beliefs and emotions that may be holding us back. By building self-confidence and taking action towards our goals, we can move forward from the past and create a brighter future for ourselves.

Shifting perspective to see the positivity in situations

In this section of the podcast, Gary Fahey shares his perspective on how we can shift our mindset to see the positivity in situations. As Shakespeare famously said, "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Gary explains that our perspective shapes our experience and the meaning we give to any situation and encourages people to reframe their thoughts and focus on the positive aspects of a situation, instead of dwelling on the negative. By shifting our mindset to see the positivity in situations, we can create a more positive experience and attract positive outcomes.

Success is the journey not the destination

In this section of the podcast, Gary talks about the importance of enjoying the journey towards success rather than focusing solely on the destination. He highlights that people who love the process of working towards their goals are more likely to achieve them, compared to those who are only motivated by the end result. Gary suggests that taking time to appreciate the small wins along the way can boost self-confidence and create a positive mindset. He also shares his personal experience of focusing too much on the destination and how it negatively affected his mental health.

Want to know more from Gary? Check out the podcast, out now. Links below.

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