Most people wouldn’t guess this by how I show up in the world, but I have battled major depressive disorder and Anxiety for most of my life. I still do, to an extent. I’ve had episodes that landed me in the ER, thankfully, a long time ago.
As a kid, I was painfully shy and introverted. By 16, I was clinically depressed and had a full-blown eating disorder that lasted two decades. My first book, published when I was 30, was about that part of my life.
Therapy, along with self-help books, helped. And most definitely, my lifelong quest to find the right meds for me helped. I found them at 41, and I am still happily on them.
But movement has also been a huge part of how I manage my mental and emotional Health. Not because I’m crazy disciplined, but because I know what it does for me.
I’m also obsessive and compulsive, and over time, I learned to channel that into physical activities that brought me joy. I’m hooked on the endorphin high ever since.
Of course, there are days I don’t feel like moving. But I know how I’ll feel during and after, and that usually gets me going.
So if you’ve ever envied my dedication, please don’t. I don’t wish Depression on anyone. Or anxiety. Panic attacks are terrifying.
When I post Yoga poses, workouts, pull-ups, or whatever physical goal I’m chasing next, I’m also posting about a lifelong inner battle that, so far, I’m winning.
I hope this reaches whoever needs to hear it, no matter their age.
What’s one thing people wouldn’t guess about you from the outside?
#mentalhealthawareness #thisis62 #over60andfit
