For years, I’d been yo-yoing between weights and sizes- in the past ten years I’ve been everything from a size 12 to a 24, constantly struggling over the years from binge eating and bulimia, and self neglect. It wasn’t just my weight that made me unhappy, but a feeling of being out of sync with my body, and having ‘lost control’.
During CBT therapy at the start of this year, I was referred for One You Lincolnshire’s help for two reasons; to help tackle my self image, and to experience the positive effects that exercise can have upon mental health problems. The initial call I had from One You Lincolnshire was incredibly quick after I was referred, and the member of staff I spoke to was so kind, friendly and non-judgemental- even at this point I felt completely supported. My induction at Magna Vitae came within a few days, and staff helped me put an exercise plan in place, and until the gyms closed during the recent lockdowns, I was really thoroughly enjoying exercising for at least an hour each day, and not feeling exhausted and in pain after pushing myself too hard,as I had done in the past after not having any help putting a regime together.A similar experience came with Slimming World-due to past disordered eating, I was cautious about joining, but I’m now so glad I did. For the first time since I was a teen, I’m eating a healthy, balanced diet, and moving regularly and feeling great for it. Within my first week of joining Slimming World , I had lost 6lbs, and so far I’ve lost just over 2.5 stone since the end of February. During lockdown, I’ve continued to exercise by cycling and walking, and I believe I’ve stayed motivated due to the great start I had at the gym!
I’m so grateful that One You Lincolnshire exists, and can provide support to folk like myself. Being on a low income, affording a gym membership and/or Slimming World membership would have been a real strain on my finances, and being able to make changes to my life because of this has been invaluable. I feel so much stronger, not just physically, but mentally, as combined with addressing depression and anxiety,the change in my lifestyle has made me take care of myself, and feel like I can stick to something and make a positive change.
Unlike crash diets, One You Lincolnshire's programme makes it possible to get healthy in ways that aren’t dangerous, and I truly feel that I’m learning things I’ll use day in, day out for a long time! I can’t applaud these services enough, all communication with members of the team has been incredible, and without this I really would have struggled. Thank you to everyone that makes this service possible!
If you would like support to achieve your healthy lifestyle changes check out https://www.oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk/lincolnshire-residents
Mel
June 17, 2020
