PATRICK VAN DER HUNTING
A New Start after twenty years on the streets
Interview with Patrick van der Jagt | by Tamara Swart
Na twintig jaar dakloos te zijn, keerde Patrick van der Jagt terug naar de samenleving. Jarenlang leefde hij op straat in Rotterdam, zijn dagen besteed aan het bij elkaar sprokkelen van geld en het zoeken naar een slaapplek. Zijn leven werd beheerst door verslavingen aan cocaïne en heroïne en werk in de prostitutie. Toen veranderde alles tijdens Het Rotterdam Project in 2018. In een ontroerende aflevering zag Patrick af van zijn verslavingen op nationale televisie, en sindsdien heeft zijn leven een compleet nieuwe richting. Hij vond liefde, werd vader, en ontwikkelde zich tot een succesvolle fotograaf en motivatiespreker. Patricks verhaal is er een van zelfliefde, veerkracht en het harde leven op straat.
"No matter how big the hole you have dug for yourself, no matter how hopeless life may sometimes seem, and no matter how few teeth you have in your mouth, everyone can learn to love themselves again." - Patrick van der Jagt
Control and Balance
Patrick knows better than anyone how important it is to take control of your mental health. For him, it is about honesty, connection, and making choices that are good for body and mind. “To me, mental health means no longer letting myself be guided so much by external factors. I want to be independent, chart my own course, and make choices that feel right for me.”
Daily Habits for Mental Fitness
For Patrick, a healthy lifestyle is the foundation for mental health. “Sleeping well, eating well, and exercising a lot,” he names as the foundations of his routine. “In addition, I spend time with friends and acquaintances without alcohol or mind-altering substances. Sober moments of connection are essential to keeping my head clear.” It is the small but powerful habits that help him find his balance.
Honesty and Connection
For Patrick, honesty is crucial for reducing stress. “The most important thing is total honesty and talking to people without feeling ashamed of anything,” he says. “I have a close group of people around me who understand me and with whom I can be myself.” This sense of understanding and connection makes all the difference. “It is a relief when you don’t have to hide anything.”
Creativity as an Outlet
For Patrick, music and art are more than just a passion; they are an outlet for his emotions. “I used to love singing and listening to a lot of music, which always helped me process my feelings,” he says. Art has also always inspired him. “It helps me find peace. For me, creativity is a way to express my emotions.” A lyric that deeply touches Patrick comes from Lady Wray: 'I'll let you take a piece of me, I hope you find the peace you need.' For Patrick, these words reflect the power of letting go and inner peace, something that personally helps him better understand his own emotions.
A Message of Hope
Patrick's message for others who are struggling is simple yet powerful: “It is truly never too late to reinvent yourself. Shame and fear are so overrated. You don't have to hide from anything. Allow yourself to grow and change.” Despite the difficulties he has experienced in his life, he is convinced that everyone has the chance to steer their life in a new direction.
