Recollections of the 2012 Doomsday Myth: A Personal Account

Exactly ten years ago, on December 21st, 2012, I was in a small town in Ireland, Sligo, where I visited the grave of W.B. Yeats, the renowned poet. This day holds a unique place in my memory, marked by a personal journey of overcoming depression, anxiety, and existential crisis.

A Void of Identity: An Existential Crisis

In 2012, I was in a dire state of depression and anxiety following two severe brain aneurysms that almost claimed my life. I lost all semblance of identity and purpose, questioning the validity of religion. I sought solace through various therapies, including hypnosis, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). However, my path had led me even closer to taking my life, showing the depths of my despair. It took over a year, but I eventually emerged from that dark place, finding happiness and peace.

A Day Full of Physical Challenges: 110°F Alabama

On that day in 2012, I was in a state of heightened tension, stress, and physical labor. I was sweating profusely in the intense 110°F heatwave while working on my father's yard, with a faulty air conditioning system. My diet was meager, consisting of only 5 meals a week. The physical labor, including clearing vines and hammering, left my skin raw. Additionally, I was dealing with an itchy reaction due to poison ivy. Struggling through these challenges, I paradoxically felt a sense of toughness, despite the regret for a recent incident that was still on my mind. I was also preparing for a high school reunion, marking a new chapter in my life.

The 2012 Doomsday Hype: A Day of Expectations

The 2012 doomsday myth was at its peak, and many people were gripped by fear and anticipation. I, at the age of 14, was no exception. I was glued to my computer, waiting for something to happen, while my friends and I were anxious about an expected world-ending event. It was not the culmination of the Mayan Calendar's cycle, but it felt like a turning point nevertheless.

Home From School: A Fateful Decision

My day over the big bang experiment at school was divided into lunch hour and a break from the usual routine. As it was closer to 0.5 km from my school, I usually went home for lunch. On that fateful day, I decided, along with my friends, to stay home and watch the scientists in anticipation of the supposed end of the world. We turned on the TV and watched the scientists waiting for the experiment's results, although we didn't fully understand what was happening. The scientists were sharing a few glasses of alcohol, and we assumed they were celebrating the end of the world.

As time passed, nothing happened, and we grew a little disappointed. By then, it was already 30 minutes past the lunch hour, and we decided to return to school. On the way, my school principal stopped by and inquired about our whereabouts. We explained our decision to stay home and watch the news. Interestingly, the principal was also at home watching the news, so he let us return to school.

That day, marked by both personal hardship and societal hype, left a lasting impression. It was a moment of both fear and unexpected normalcy in the face of the impending doom. It serves as a reminder of how individuals and societies can spiral into chaos and despair, and how even in the face of adversity, there can be moments of unexpected serenity and community.

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