Where I've been...

[@luckyrose369]

It takes a pair of brass cohones to be able to speak so publicly about something so personal and to be so candid about it. Thank you for that. I lost my Dad to alcoholism a few years ago and I'm still not okay about it. There is a lot of work to do and I applaud you to be willing to be so up front about it. I'm optimistic that the assistance will be a great foundation to start on. Congratulations on taking the first step in the right direction. 2020, huh??... What a nutty year! Yano be with you... Much love!!!

[@nikbolok]

I lost my fiancé to alcoholism at the age of 30. Thank you for also sharing your story ❤️ the aliens are no joke! I’m sorry for the loss of your pops, mine also battled the aliens and was blessed to become a role model in the meeting community. I’m so happy to hear this from Derek! 😘

[@ribsinbacon]

The Beard/Necklace combo makes it look like you went on a spiritual retreat and came back as one of those weird hippy healers.

[@OpalMist]

The scruff definitely suits you better than the serial killer 'stache.

[@sheribrandt7712]

haha right?! I totally agree with ya!

[@whyme3513]

I was thinking the same thing

[@ColleenJousma]

More like cereal killer. Get it? Haha...I'll leave now. 😁

[@IndigoWolfTail]

As someone who has gone through rehab and is recovering from alcoholism myself, I am very happy for you and proud of you! It's not easy starting recovery, but once you do get on that path it gets better. One day at a time, friend. :) I'm rooting for you, Derek!!

[@michelleholliday5136]

Welcome back! You got this! Sober 17 years now.

[@lanaea8735]

17 years that’s amazing! ❤️

[@michelleholliday5136]

Lanae A thank you

[@patriciaeisert8483]

Congratulations, you rock!

[@JCT1125]

You took the route of courage, Derek! Let no one get you down! #EndtheStigma

[@TreePeopleAreOut]

I’m really glad you made the decision to go! It is life-changing and difficult but things are going to be better in the long run. My family is full of addicts and their biggest obstacle is that they’re all high functioning. Its harder for them to see that there’s an issue when they can mostly function normally. Any help or advice you need, or even just shoot the shit, you can always call/text.

[@kitties4every130]

You hit an important point with the high functioning ones...that was me. And not only did it make it harder for my to recognize my own issues, but then I got further blowback when I announced I was going to rehab without having lost a job or house or boyfriend. “But why? You’re fine.” (Spoiler alert: I was not fine. I had my own special brain plaques. Although I’m much better now. 😀). Anyway, the point of my ramble is to say that I can relate and if anyone here needs support, lemme know and I’ll be there. 😀

[@megalyssa]

I’ve been a viewer since the very beginning and I’m extremely proud of you for getting help. I recently got out of a week long voluntary stint in a psych ward for depression and man it was HARD. Getting help is not easy but hopefully it’ll be worth it. For both of us.

[@SallyAStockman]

Some people battle demons, oh Derek? He battles aliens. 😏 Seriously though, thank you for sharing this. Ultimately your health comes first.

[@CarstenAretz123]

Welcome back...And as long as you say I am not going to drink today and don't, and do that everyday, you will stay away from a drink. I have been without a drink for over 13 years--one day at a time. Looking forward to watching more content by you...Thank you for sharing.

[@kitties4every130]

Good for you for taking care of yourself! That’s a courageous decision. You can do it One Day at a Time. I just celebrated 24 years sober on June 26, so I’m an example that it can be done. Much love. ❤️

[@PBJamLove]

So proud of you for taking care of your addiction. I grew up in the NA rooms, since my mom is a recovering addict (26 years clean now!). It’s not an easy decision to make, and not an easy realization to come to, but I’m so very proud of you. I wish you so much love and support in your journey. 💖

[@anns7387]

YOU SIR are a Beautiful example of perserverance. So glad you are healing long suffered wounds. I will keep you and the fam in my prayers! You GOT THIS. Looking forward to hearing your new chapter in life! Congrats Derek! Your Realness...very cool. Fist pump high fives or is it sober fives?😆 Awww yes the odd humorings of the Wackadoodle WATC crowd. Good ta SEE yer FACE again. Love and strength to you & Heidi💞🐾🐾🏆

[@Mitsuru14]

Glad you're taking care of your issues, Derek. Keep fighting & we're all here for you! May Father Yano bless you. 🙏

[@aw3855]

I’m proud of you Derek- realizing you have a problem and working to fix it is nothing to feel embarrassed, anxious or ashamed about. Stay strong and stay healthy my dude ❤️

[@leannaboyle6836]

"Back among the kitties" you really love those big cats.

[@maryfarkouh6973]

Those poor mosquitos that can no longer get loaded off you! Hahaaaa but for real I’m so happy for you and you look gooooood! Keep doin you!

[@surrealsadi841]

Welcome back, Derek! It takes a lot of strength to admit you have a problem, but to actually admit you need help and get it? That can be a herculean task. I'm happy you got the help you needed!

[@kellycastillo7203]

Any time the work starts to feel like emptying an ocean one teacup at a time, just know there's lots of us right beside you with our own chipped and faded cups, scooping away. ❤️

[@patriciaeisert8483]

Loved how you put this👏👏👏

[@rebeccadigby326]

Welcome back Derek, I thought maybe you’d been arrested for all the nasty things you say about the Teegees! All joking aside, really really happy for you at taking that massive step, must’ve been really daunting, but it will make such a huge difference to your life and the life of your family in the long run. Always remember that the Pride is right behind you ❤️

[@MikaDoesStuff23]

Glad to have you back, Derek ❤️

[@takotakotakotakotako]

Stay strong, Derek! These big kitties need their dad safe and sound so they can squeak and spook him

[@BooFlo62]

Glad to have you back, Derek. Thank you for talking about this, and I'm so glad you've got help and support. I know we're a bunch a peet in mouth weirdos on the internet, but we care about you a lot! Best of luck in the future. Hope you're happy back at the compound and with the kitties.

[@janedoex1398]

This .

[@stacicrawford1437]

Proud of you for taking the steps to take care of yourself! Good luck as you continue this journey. Welcome back!

[@thegingersheep]

As someone else who has dealt with drinking issues both from myself and family members I am proud of you for doing what you did. It is never easy but I can say making the choice yourself vs being forced to do it is a major step and takes a lot of strength. You got this Derek we will be here to continue to support you throughout.

[@laurahickey8730]

Welcome back Derek, so proud of you! My marriage ended because he chose the bottle over me...congratulations on taking care of yourself and your family... Glad to see your grey bearded face. #teambeebees

[@mizzdeester3958]

We love you...... plz be ok...... no pressure......

[@SP-zw3om]

Mad respect for you Derek. I’m glad you’re doing better.

[@jenandharveyb]

🎉 Welcome back!!!! 🐢 We missed you! We *UNDERSTAND* the struggle. SO glad that you're taking care of yourself. Your bravery with honestly sharing your struggles and experiences WILL help others. And is it wrong that I pictured the group sessions at rehab ending with a rousing singalong of Monkeys Buttered Toast??? 🎶

[@kimberlyn8678]

Welcome Back Derek! Super proud of you for taking care of yourself ❤

[@jelleebean]

times are strange right now, and most of us know that you have a 'day job', and with the travelling and the quarantine and so on, you being away wasn't a shock to most of us. the actual reason is a surprise. i know i am happy you were able to see this in yourself and were able to take care of it. i myself am just over 3 years without a drink, not to say it isn't difficult, and there are several times a day where i think 'i need a drink', but, one day at a time i move on. this is on top of PTSD and depression, amidst a variety of other things. you look well, you sound well, and i know i am grateful that you were able to 'dig out'. welcome back Derek *hugs from a hazmat suit* (stupid covid)

[@barron8115]

Welcome back Mr. Derek! I'm glad you had to strength to go through what you needed to do. Much love, and we're all here for you! I don't have for you Derek, but if there is anything the ol' Andy can do to help, hit me up anytime!

[@pinkcupcake4717]

The fact you feel comfortable to talk about something so personal, and with such humor, is incredibly admirable! From a micro-creator, I relate to that content anxiety a lot. You're definitely not alone!

[@tabbylocascio3995]

Glad to see you back! We all have mountains to climb and it's never easy climbing them. Glad that you are conquering yours ❤😁

[@jennyengwer548]

Two thumbs up to you, Derek! That's a hard thing to kick and I'm glad you have a great support system.

[@MD2389]

It takes a lot of guts to admit to yourself that you have a problem, and even more to actually seek help for it. Honestly, this kind of content needs to be normalized to help end the stigma of seeking mental treatment. I'm proud of you for stepping up to the plate and taking the steps to help you with alcoholism!

[@rachelb.2014]

It's awesome that you got the help you needed. I recently lost a 28 yr old friend to alcoholism, her body just gave out/up. I'm glad you're getting a fresh start 💕

[@sarahbaer7275]

So sorry for your loss ❤️

[@janedoex1398]

Wow that's hard. So young. I'm sorry.

[@dernudel1615]

I'm glad you were able to get the help that you needed, and that you have such an amazing support network. We've missed you, and are glad you're back.

[@drewgibson3319]

Love ya Derk. Many props and things. Glad to have you back!

[@TheLg1989]

It’s great to see you back wonderful you have support behind you please don’t feel you have to share everything with us... share as little or much as you want look after yourself.

[@MYKADAWN777]

I am so proud of you Derek that you were able to see the need to take care of yourself. That’s incredible! Glad you’re back! ☺️

[@florencetheunicorn]

Welcome back Derek, and congrats on your brave start to recovery! 27 years ago, my step father decided that he wanted to be sober to raise my little brother. It was tough for him at first, but he's done it. You can do it too! We've got your back. P.s. You kinda look like Travis Fimmel with beard. Very nice. 😉

[@veronicaosowski6240]

My uncle struggled with alcoholism for years before getting help. Very proud of him and very proud of you.

[@stephlrideout]

Good for you! Keep on chuckin Also... Writing things down would not have been Derek style, ramble away

[@kangamanga467]

Well done fella!! It's a brave step to admit there is a problem, and even braver to do something about it! 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐅🐅🐅🐅🐅

[@zanthiaaihtnaz6510]

So proud! It's a culture in Wisconsin and a hard one to break away from, as it's a norm we grew up with.

[@KittyVanCatLP]

As someone who was in a relationship with an (aggressive) alcoholic, i'm happy to hear that you went on your own before it got too bad ♥ Happy to see you back and don't worry too much about content. :) I love the WATC's but video dumps are great too and they can include videos, that other care members took. And maybe we will see a compilation of Derek vs. Jeremy soon? xD

[@sekirk]

It’s really nice to read all the comments from people who empathise and have gone through their own struggles with mental health and addiction.

[@daniel.siegmund]

Nice that you are back, and especially nice that you are able to recognise your problem, do something about it and that you can talk about it. I wish you the best

[@melimsah]

Glad you did what was best for you and your family! I have a hard enough time staying away from sugar and caffeine, I can't imagine going up against alcohol or drugs. But glad you're back and stay away from the booze bug from here on out!! Also low key loving the beard

[@DrWendyJ]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I appreciate your honesty. Proud of you Derek. The Pride are proud of you. We're here for you Derek. So glad you are back. Xx.

[@AmberFlips]

Return of the Dadstache. 😊 Yay, good to see you again, Derek! Melissa and Jan provided some great content while you were gone, so if you ever have to disappear again, we’re ready. (Watching this on mute at work, so will comment to actual content later.)

[@kjb0313]

This is your journey, but thank you for sharing. Sharing your story helps decrease the stigma around substance use disorders, and hearing that your work was so understanding really is amazing. It's an incredibly complex disease. But that teeth cleaning analogy was so good! 😄 I'm so glad you took this time for your health. Seriously thank you for sharing.

[@rckblykitn]

Admit it, you just wanted time to grow in that beard. Kudos, it's fucking *hawt*. 😍🔥 Seriously though, I've been watching you for years and I'd never have guessed. Good for you for recognizing that there was a problem and taking the steps to rectify it. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to take that first one. I'm proud of you and it's so awesome that you have such a great support system around you. Sending you my whole heart. Stay strong and stay safe. Really glad to have you back. 💙 Edit - since you're cool with questions, I'm just curious as to what your tipping point was. The straw that broke the camel's back and made you finally make the decision. If it was a single thing or a conglomeration of small things. As someone who hardly ever drinks (it gives me migraines), it's hard to understand the flip side of the coin.

[@CaptainDar]

We understand Derek. Glad you're doing better and you have a good sense of humor about it. Stay strong!

[@jfreeman539]

So proud of you derek!

[@Hobgoblinz]

I'm so glad that you got help, Derek! I've been watching your videos since 2013 and they make me so happy. I was so confused /worried when I didn't hear you on the channel for a while. It's so wonderful to share your story with others and show that you can get better and heal!! I hope you continue to heal ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@darksepheroth4627]

Damn, I had no idea Derek. We've all got our struggles and I'm glad that you've taken the step to help yourself.

[@luannm-crazycatlady6621]

Welcome back, Derek! We've missed you. I'm so glad you have decided to do this and admire your willingness to share with us. You are a wonderful man with a wonderful wife and family. You are all worth the journey you are on. I am so happy for you. I will pray for you often. Hugs to you all!! ❤

[@darkprincess1918]

Sending a virtual hug to you Derek and the Care Family💗🐯🦁💗

[@hunteranddajman2]

Welcome back! We missed you, and we’re proud of you for taking the steps to improve yourself!! 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

[@StephPans]

Thank you for your honesty Derek. I can't imagine that it was easy to face your demons head on but I really hope that it gave you the help you wanted & needed. You should be proud of yourself that you took this step and so many people will be able to relate or even find to strength to face their own issues after hearing your story.

[@sunneyrae8615]

You look great!❤️. I am.so glad you decided to go get help. Much love to you, Heidi, the kids and the kitties!❤️

[@juliepierce2155]

You look great! Your eyes are shiny and bright! It's so good to have you back! It shows a real strength of character to do what you did.

[@reneeyoung19]

Hey Derek props to you man! I've been through rehab as well and learned some amazing things about myself, it totally is a journey and not one for the faint of heart.....it's not always easy or pleasant to take a look at ourselves, and it takes courage to face our short comings head on. Congratulations man!!!

[@traceyjones3334]

Welcome back Derek, you look so much better, healthier even. The biggest step is admitting you had a problem so well done. Respect and love 👏🏻👍🏻💖

[@betherblue]

ZOMGAAAAH!!! 🐢 Welcome back!!! 🎉 Dude, I am SO HECKIN’ PROUD of you for taking the initiative to go on this journey! 🙌🙌🙌 We’re all here to support you. 🦁💪🐯

[@cabarone829]

One day at a time, my friend. I’m so proud of you!!

[@macsenplays]

This is another way this pandemic has been hurting all of us. We’ve all gone a little crazy, and had things to deal with as a result. And it’s _not_ stupid. You recognized you had a problem and you asked for help. There’s nothing wrong with that, and you’re very lucky you didn’t need someone else to compel you to get some help, for whatever reason. We're all behind you, Derek.

[@britchick84]

Loving the the new fuzz! I think you may be morphing into Jackson Galaxy :D Sending you lots of love, support and positive vibes xxx

[@supernaturalfan626]

Wow Derek, I’m so very proud of you. Literally had no idea you were going though all of this. Glad to see you back 🤗

[@muzerhythm2242]

We're proud of you Derek!❤ 😁I've been seeing during this time we've all had time of reflection and getting real with ourselves...working out our demons and discovering our purpose.😁

[@sarahbaer7275]

Glad to have you back Derek & to hear you’re in the process of defeating those aliens. I appreciate you being so open and I’m really interested to hear how you had a system, etc. One of my best friends ended up in the ICU a few years ago due to alcoholism that he hid so well from everyone. He’s thankfully on the mend and 3 years sober now but he doesn’t really like to talk about the past with anyone other than his therapist so I’m left with a lot of questions. While I know everyone is different, hearing your story may help me understand his past thinking more. Any who, glad you recognized your need for help and that you are now hooked on the gravity bong of life.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Welcome back, buddy! Welcome back! This is my absolute FAVORITE YT channel and when you didn't show up or report in - I got concerned! Why? Why would I feel concerned for someone I never met and probably never will? To be sure, you made a connection with our similar outlooks on life, our love of tigers, lions and all the big cats. And the little cats and dogs and weird little raccoon monkey things! The fact that you read and like music and are nerdy and do martial arts! Yeah, I felt a kinship ( and not in any creepy, weird way) there, like I was tuning in to see a friend! Love your interactions with all your animals and the volunteers and most of all, your humor! Whatever demons you're exorcising, Derek, know this - the Pride truly does care about you and yours! Okay? Got that? There are two things you need to know: first - don't sweat the content! It's always been good and fun! Don't lose any sleep over trying to change up or keeping it fresh. Every day is a new day and you, like the rest of us, always have different things on your mind. Just say it! It'll be fine with us! Second thing: we got your back, Derek! If you need some time off to iron things out, we understand! No judging from us. Some Pride have probably been there or are there now - they will support you mentally and emotionally as a Commrad in arms. The rest of us are rooting for you on the sidelines! You have friends, Derek, more than you realize! Welcome back and GODSPEED!

[@patriciaeisert8483]

Ditto what he/she said. We love you, Heidi, all the Care team and last but not least, the kitties🥰

[@mairablanc2856]

Derek! we just love how much you enjoy those kitties, and share that with us. You being happy and taking care of yourself is the first step for us to get the moos, the peets and cassie... Thank you for shearing. Take care! Love from Argentina.

[@Seraitsukara]

I'm so proud for you Derek! That's such a major accomplishment! Best of luck with your continuing recovery!

[@BigGrabowski]

Hope your brought your nun-chuck to battle those aliens. Glad you got yourself to feeling better, regardless of nun-chuckage!

[@Rachel-ip4um]

Derek, it is so brave of you to have gone on this journey and to be here sharing this with us. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their "issues," be they mental illnesses or addictions, but the more of us who can, the closer we get to erasing stigma. Seriously, your candor is amazing. You didn't have to tell us anything (and in fact, I just thought your absence was work-related!), but you did, and I am so so so proud of you. You got this!

[@justinem.brydia3677]

Derek! We are so proud of you for speaking out about this! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! Sending you hugs and prayers! ❤❤ P.s. Keep the facial hair. Looks good! 👍

[@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413]

I was wondering why i have not heard from you Derek, just remember Derek, you got to stay strong mentally. Im really glad to hear from you Derek, stay focused.

[@Icewall42]

I'm proud of you for not only getting help, but also being so willing to talk about it. Our society tries to make those with mental conditions feel ashamed and blamed (the complete opposite of those with physical conditions), and that @!%& needs to stop. That's why I freely admit that I struggle with panic disorder. I don't care if it makes some people uncomfortable, because I'm not the only one who struggles with it, and knowing you're not alone can be immensely helpful. Stuff like this should be discussed without stigma attached. On a less serious note, who needs booze when you've got tigers and Cassie squeaks? #TeamTeegees

[@ribsinbacon]

so you ARE from Wisconsin! All kidding aside- one day at a time buddy!

[@sarina76667]

I have not had an addiction or gone to a rehabilitation center for anything, however I have been diagnosed with severe depression with suicidal tendencies. I have gone through over 30 years (before the age of 10) of this spiral. And I do get exactly what you’re saying about going through that intense gauntlet of scraping all the muck out. A few months ago my stepmom decided to attend therapy sessions with me as a representative of the rest of the family. Everyone warned me against it, but I saw the benefit. Indeed, she came in expecting to delve deep into MY problem and MY behavior only to find out how much she had been misinformed. That MY issues are really family issues, that no one in the family has ever bothered to actually get to know me because they think they already know everything based on false information someone else has fed them for years, and that for as much as they think they have my back no one really has because no one has bothered to listen to what I actually need from them. What prompted her to put herself in this position? After years of therapy, I finally had the courage to say “No. We’re going to do this differently.” This of course pissed everyone off and scared everyone to death and immediately confront me on my troubling behavior. My stepmom soon found out that behavior wasn’t troubling at all. It was quite the opposite. It was deliberate and it was exactly what this family needed. The others still don’t understand that they are not in charge anymore as they continue to try to insist everything is my fault and I need to grow up and accept responsibility for my bad actions. It’s so easy to fall back into that well practiced role of do as your told, be extremely grateful that everyone puts up with me, and apologize when things inevitably don’t go the way they want because clearly it’s my fault their aggressive assistance didn’t work. Every time I have to stop, recognize this part of the cycle and actively decide “No. we’re going to do something different this time.” It’s hard and physically painful at times, but it needs to be done. Good on you, Derek, for recognizing your need to do something different before doing irreparable damage to yourself and your family. That takes not only courage, but an immense amount of self reflection that not many people have. And good on you for not being afraid to speak about it publicly. Sometimes that’s what others need to get the courage to help themselves, so your decision will help others as well as yourself. I have also found that being open about things prompts others to join my legion of emotional support! I wish you good journey on your continued recovery!!!

[@loricook2066]

You got this,Derek. One day at a time. Take care,sweetie; you're not alone!❤🙏👍

[@BoggyLex]

I’m so glad you sought the help and am very proud of you for making that step! You know you have our support always!!! I’m all the love!!! And I’m sure the kitties are very happy to see you! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@ellaarredondo7740]

Derek the pride is proud of you , I’m very proud of you. I’m so happy that you concerned this. Incredible proud.

[@SkittsMcGee]

My son said eating cake battles addictions. Thank you for your candor Derek and congrats on your sobriety.

[@nikbolok]

Thank you for sharing ❤️ this is so helpful for SO MANY people right now. You are appreciated and loved!!

[@nickdillinger]

Thanks for sharing this, Derek. Sobriety is super important. You're not alone in your problems and I hope it makes you understand that you're not a passenger on the road to contentment; you have your hand on the wheel.

[@leilanihanaike]

Welcome back Derek. It is amazing to see your face again. I would like to say that though I do not know you personally, I am so proud of you! The fact that you realized this was a problem that you needed to take care of is incredible and shows amazing self awareness. I am a child of an alcoholic that has never wanted to address that there is a problem (and it has profoundly effected me). This is one of the bravest things someone can ever do and the fact that you are willing to share this with the world shows your strength. Thank you for sharing this with us and spreading awareness on this topic. The Pride loves you and your honesty and you always have a community here for you.

[@amybachman8461]

Kudos Derek. What you did took guts and my hope is that this experience will be a strengthener in your life. #PrideStrong

[@mishimaweesa]

All the love and support to you, Derek. I am so happy for you.

[@druebesam]

Welcome back, congratulations on taking the first steps.

[@HarleyBadger]

Hey Derek, same here, recovering alcoholic. I'm in my sixth year, and trust me... one day at a time, and then you will find each day is easier. Much, much respect to you not only for getting treatment, but for sharing your story! You already had my respect regarding your work with animals, now it's ten-fold. Thank you again for sharing.

[@AmberFlips]

I had the dumbs and realized I could watch muted with captions. 😅 Congrats on your renewed headspace. Your honesty about mental health is admirable and helps eliminate any stigma; it’s one of the reasons I first subscribed. 🌟 Whether it was CBT or DBT, I’m happy you found better coping skills and channels for negative energy. Glad to know your support system is so solid. Pridestrong! 🙌

[@natejas2853]

Really happy for you sir. Keep that going 🤘🏼

[@thomaskevinhughes8890]

congratulations. Derek I'm so sorry that you're going through all that situation but glad you see you came by God bless you and I know we'll be praying for you 🤗

[@lanaea8735]

Derek I’m so proud of you! You are an amazing person and you have tons of support! Been thinking about you and praying for you. ❤️ keep up the good work! Hope you and the wife and kids are well! Glad to see you back! ❤️

[@bonniepwtf]

I missed you so much & I am so glad you took the time. Thank you for your honesty, appreciate it. I look forward to hearing more on this, I think it will be helpful to many, including myself. I wish you strength.❤

[@juliemaguire72]

Derek, Glad you are back and working on YOU! The Pride loves ya and we will always be here for you. ❤️