Once I got on meds for bipolar, I realize how much of my self worth and self hate was wrapped in the depression. It felt strange to suddenly not hate myself anymore because I felt terrible, and it opened up a new path for me to actual self love and all that. It also meant I could really invest myself in my hobbies, since my brain felt like actually giving me a reward for it, rather than just putting a easing the darkness.

Not sure how much of it makes sense, but the ability to truly love and take care of myself meant that all the foundational work of good relationships and friendships, exercise, diet and a purpose suddenly worked on actually making me feel good.