Despression busting!

[arewenotmen]

Tomorrow morning I'll start W9 and I can't wait to get going. I decided to do C25K after finding it tough coming off anti-depressants; I'd been on them for 8 years. Many people had told me about the benefits running has on mental health but tbh when you're depressed you're not exactly receptive to new ideas. Anyway, I knew things were improving around W3 when I found myself wanting to go running while on holiday and that enthusiasm hasn't diminished. I've been noticeably better since starting C25K - it's not a cure for depression, but I'm convinced it's one of the most effective weapons in managing it. I struggled to run for a minute in W1 and this week I hope to graduate. It's been an absolute game-changer for me and I hope it is for you too, whatever your reasons were for embarking on this journey.

[telford_mike Graduate]

Well done, it sounds like you’re making real progress with running and your condition. Week 9 is great. You're totally prepared for it and I'm sure you won't have a problem. See you on the podium at the end of the week 😀👏👍

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to telford_mike]

Thanks Telford_Mike, appreciate that 👍

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

This is great to read arewenotmen !! Onwards you go into W9 ~ you're so ready for this! 🙌😊🙌

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thank you. Going to be another early start tomorrow morning looking at the weather 🔥🔥🔥!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Fabulous! Well done you. Sounds like you’ve caught the running bug good and proper, along with all its benefits! Isn’t it great?

I’ll be joining you on W9 tomorrow (absolutely can’t wait), and hope to graduate on Friday! 😀

See you on the podium, and happy running! 🏃‍♀️👍🏻🏃‍♂️💪🏻😀

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Well done! Hope we're both graduating v soon!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to arewenotmen]

Definitely the plan! See you there! 🤞😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you... so many folk have found this really helps mentally and physically... about a lot more than the running!

You are doing amazingly... the badge and us.. are waiting to cheer you home x

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you very much 😀👍

[Dougalucy Graduate]

Well done, I think it's fantastic that you've taken the initiative to aid your ongoing recovery, you've obviously made massive progress in both mind and body, an inspiration to us all 🏃🙏👏

[arewenotmen Graduate]

That's very kind of you Dougalucy, thanks for taking the time to reply 👍

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Fantastic post! Thanks for sharing and Im so pleased that running has helped. I know that I find running a good way to release tensions and stressful thoughts. And I do understand that depression isn’t necessarily a passing phase of low feelings. So, you deserve a brilliant well done to you for starting and pushing through whilst reducing your medication. I hope that your final runs and all those runs after are epic! 🤗❤️

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you so much 🙂 I've been doing 4K during the 28 mins of W8, so I know I won't be hitting 5K this week and in a way that's made life easier - will just enjoy the 30 mins runs regardless of distance. Can work on that later! 😀👍

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to arewenotmen]

Hey you got it!! I did my first 5k well after graduation and it was right on time!! Relax, enjoy and celebrate every run you do! This is you doing you! Brilliant! ❤️

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

That's a really helpful and inspiring post. (We are Devo! Btw)

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to Languid_Lil]

😂I wish I could like your reply twice for the Devo reference!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Enjoy that last week, and hope that post inspires others in your starting position.

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you. Can honestly say I'm looking forward to it 🙂

[wyersmith Graduate]

Well done! Good luck with w9 and beyond!

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to wyersmith]

Thanks very much

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

A great post. I'm so glad running is helping you with depression.

I started C25K a year ago because I felt like I wasn't managing the stresses of my job effectively and often felt overwhelmed and/or anxious with no time in my life to try and change things.

I can't tell you how different I feel a year on - running has changed my life for the better in oh so many ways but none none more so than in how well I feel mentally.

Good luck with your graduation and all the good things that are sure to follow after.

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to DebJogsOn]

Hi DebJogsOn - wow, congratulations on keeping up the running for a year. Really glad it's helped you and hope it continues to do so.

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to arewenotmen]

I'm properly addicted to running now - generally run on alternate days and even clock up the odd 10k here and there. Kind of annoyed that I didn't start much earlier in life - but better late than never eh?

[cashdd Graduate]

Wow both to your post which is inspiring but also wow to this community. The responses are amazing. I too am on the last week and hope to graduate on Saturday so looking forward to seeing you on the podium. X

[arewenotmen Graduate in reply to cashdd]

It's great isn't it: A welcoming, supportive and encouraging online community - social media could learn a lot from this site! Best of luck with your W9!

[cashdd Graduate]

I agree xx