Exercise Makes A World Of Difference!
When I got diagnosed with post-natal depression, I had no motivation. My doctor didn’t look at any alternatives (to medication). You went in there and it was like - here you are (a prescription). I saw the Community Psychiatric Nurse for a while, but there wasn’t enough support. It was only an hour a week, and there were no facilities. I felt like society had let me down.
I changed doctors earlier this year, and they introduced me to EXCEL. It’s a real positive change for me because it’s a discipline and it changes your lifestyle. It’s given me a new lease of life. There’s the social aspect too. It’s not just people who are 16, it’s people who are 60, who’ve had strokes or heart problems and we help each other. I wouldn’t see anyone otherwise, because I’ve got a child. I used to feel trapped, whereas now I feel like I can get out a bit more. I’ve reduced my medication, and I think that’s got a lot to do with the EXCEL program. There’s a life and a world out there and by going to the gym I’m getting some confidence. It can be fun, and I haven’t had fun for years!
Amanda A. Kansas