Community Strengthening
Stories from the Community
‘The Y Is My Escape’
Thursday, 26th May 2011
People who exercise regularly benefit from a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression.
Suffering from depression, Helen had always struggled to be around other people, until she joined the Y. She decided to become a member at her local centre after hearing of an offer which involved free crèche and no contract.
The YMCA provided an outlet for Helen to deal with her depression by exercising with other school mothers, in an environment that was comfortable to her.
“It made me feel comfortable as there weren’t as many people as the larger gyms. As when you are depressed, you find it hard to be around people.”
She started to take part in two group classes every morning, and after 5 weeks of joining, already felt like a new person.
“I have been winding down my medication, and really enjoying and looking forward to my workouts. It gets me out of the house, interacting with others, and makes me feel good about myself. It gives me timeout from my kids, and helps me forget about my troubles for those 2 hours. The classes are the best- we’re able to chat and push each other on.”
“I feel revived and feel that I have dug my way out of the hole I was in. Some mornings I still find it hard but, I know that once I do my session, I will walk out a happier person.”
Helen, Caringbah YMCA Member
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