At the beginning of the year I went to see my GP after struggling with depression for around 3 years. In the first instance I was offered counselling, in order to tackle the issues that got me to that point in the first place. I was also prescribed anti-depressants, which return your serotonin levels to where they should be. Serotonin affects a huge number of bodily functions, and when you are depressed, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep these levels up, which has huge consequences on both your mind and your body. I was also advised to get some regular exercise, and I would now credit that as being a huge part of my recovery. As well as the obvious health benefits, exercise also increases your serotonin levels, which will put you in a better place mentally to move forward.

Now, at the time, this was not an option I was particularly enthusiastic about. Though in the past few years I've been a little more active, I have never been particularly sporty, would never have joined a gym or really put much of an effort into doing anything of that kind. Not only that, but the thought of going into an unfamiliar environment, unfit, surrounded by strangers and the possibility of being judged for how I look or my lack of any sporting ability, frankly terrified me. I was physically and mentally exhausted, and just making it through the day was a struggle. But I was also willing to try anything to get out of the mess I was in, so I decided to give it a go.

I initially started by just trying to do some exercises in the house, going out walking, pretty much the easiest options out there. But I lacked any real determination or energy to keep it up. I decided a conventional gym would be too much, so I started looking around at local clubs or evening classes, to see if there was anything I thought I could feasibly do. Oddly, I decided on kick-boxing. It struck me as a good form of stress-relief, and I reckoned that because I have a sizeable thigh, it might be something I could manage.

I contacted a local club about coming along and instantly felt at ease. It was a gym on a smaller scale, which welcomed people of all skill levels, whether they want to train, lose weight, or simply take it up as a hobby. So I went along one weekend, though I'd spent the entire walk there in half a mind to just turn around and go home. But I stuck it out and I've never looked back. It was hard-going, having never done anything like that in my life, but even after that first session I felt so much better.  Not only was there the actual physical and chemical effect of the exercise, but a real sense of achievement on a personal level.

I would never have imagined myself being able to do it, either the actual kick-boxing or being in that environment. I think the fact that I was stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting new people and just shaking things up a bit also did a world of good. And I would have to credit the gym for a lot of it too; the trainers were fantastic and created a really positive and welcoming environment. They get you to push yourself and make you feel like you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

The difference between now and when I started my recovery is indescribable. Medication and counselling worked wonders, but exercise allowed me to be proactive in tackling the problem and gave me something to focus on and work at. These days I still go to kick-boxing, I've taken up running with an aim to run my first 5k next year, and I am always looking for new activities to experience. I feel healthier, more confident, and happier than I have in years. Exercise is a brilliant tool for tackling depression, because you are the one in control. It means you have to make the effort, to push yourself, to focus.

To anyone struggling with depression, I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Find yourself something you might like, and a safe and positive environment. Take a risk, don't be afraid to try.  The first step is the hardest, but it gives you an instant boost, and day by day it gets easier. And even once you've finished with tablets, or counselling, or whatever else, at the end of it all you still have something to hold on to, to help you, and that will have a lasting effect.  

PHOTOGRAPH BY PENN STATE