How Applying Critical Thinking Saved My Mental Health

Testing can be a powerful tool to discover information to empower stakeholders to make better, more informed decisions. But what if we need information about our mental health and we’re the stakeholders of our bodies and minds?
My mental health has been stable for so long that I started wondering if I still needed my medication and if it was safe to quit it. I thought that, by experimenting, I’d find answers to my questions. Can a healthy lifestyle and the tools learned through therapy be enough for me to live a happy life?

Designing an experiment

My approach was semi-scientific. I had a lot of questions (my hypothesis) and the purpose of my experiment was to gather information. I made assumptions regarding the outcome and I made a plan: I’ll start training to do the “Camino de Santiago” (a pilgrimage) and by working out, my body will get the happy hormones it needs to survive. Little did I know things weren’t going to go according to plan.

The tools that helped me

Some testers keep testing notes to not rely on our memory and for more effective debriefing, so I used my bullet journal to keep track of my mood, feelings, and my workout routine. I don’t know if I’d be here today if it wasn’t for my mood tracker, which became a solid piece of evidence.