“Gave Me a C*gar”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Doctors Chose a Rather Bizarre Way to Cheer Him Up From Post-Heart Surgery Depression

Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s journey through post-heart surgery depression sheds light on a crucial aspect of recovery often overshadowed by physical rehabilitation. Despite his resilient exterior, Schwarzenegger openly shared his mental health struggles, emphasizing the significance of addressing these challenges.

In a recent Q&A, Schwarzenegger recalled his battle with post-surgery depression, highlighting the unconventional support from his heart doctors. He recounted their surprising gesture, stating, “When I had my first heart surgery, I was so damn depressed that my doctors – HEART doctors – took me upstairs to the roof of the hospital and gave me a cigar. They were willing to try anything to make me feel normal.”

Schwarzenegger’s candid revelation in the newsletter underscored the importance of normalizing depression and anxiety, attributing it to chemical imbalances rather than personal failure. He acknowledged, “You should never feel like feeling depressed or anxious is a failure of any kind. It’s chemicals in your brain.”

Despite his optimistic demeanor, Schwarzenegger admitted to still having off days: “And still today, there are days when I wake up and feel like everything is perfect but I just feel off. I’m not happy.” His willingness to discuss these struggles reflects his commitment to destigmatizing mental health issues. In coping with his emotions, Schwarzenegger found solace in activities he could control, such as walking and breathing exercises. “I try to recalibrate as quickly as I can, and bring myself to what I can control because there is no anxiety in the things you know you can do,” revealed Schwarzenegger.

Furthermore, the former professional bodybuilder, while answering his followers’ questions, showed empathy and shared a few tips on how to deal with feeling low and depressed.

Arnold Schwarzenegger shared a few ways to cope with down days

In the newsletter, Schwarzenegger told the person to take it easy on themselves. “Stop being so hard on yourself,” he advised. He explained that using energy to criticize oneself makes it hard to do other things, like working out. Instead, he suggested looking at the week without being too negative. Schwarzenegger asked people to look at small victories too, while highlighting seeing things like taking a walk or eating healthy as big accomplishments.

READ MORE: Arnold Schwarzenegger Admits Facing Minor Episodes of “Temporary Depression” After Open-Heart Surgery

He said it’s important to focus on the future and not think of the whole week as a failure.

“Don’t give up. Get up. Do something. Do anything,” he said. Schwarzenegger mentioned that setbacks happen to everyone, but giving up is the real failure. He encouraged the person to keep going and do something, no matter how small.

The icon also spread hope for those navigating similar struggles, reminding them of the importance of prioritizing both physical and mental well-being.

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