It’s a brilliant group you’ve created Jeff and really it’s a thank you to you. I’m not one for groups usually but this one is different. It’s place for people with similar issues and struggles and I’m sure it’s helping and bringing comfort to others who can relate to similar experiences. Positivity and motivation are something we can all share and if that one person reads it and it inspires them to do the little things that help brighten there day or give them that push to move forward then it’s worth it. I’ve trained more this last week than I have in ages. Today I really felt like I couldn’t be arsed but seeing others push through motivates me to not fall behind and slump. It’s a great group

Welcome buddy

Great post. I struggle with mental health also, it’s an ongoing battle. I ditched the anti depressants a year ago after been stuck on them for 12 years. I stopped cold turkey which isn’t advised but I couldn’t stand the slow withdraws. My coping methods are sunlight, fresh air daily, try to eat good food and hit the gym as often as my body lets me. These foundations keep me stable and keep me from sinking back into that dark place. If you’re lucky enough to have a few good people round you or family then that’s a huge bonus. I’m thankful for the small things and appreciate what I have. Life’s short and the little things that used to bother me, don’t anymore. It’s always in the background and some days I wake up feeling foggy, fatigued and lifeless but these are the days I push myself out the door and to the gym. It’s the best medicine. Feeling the pain from training hard and pushing myself gives me a relief from the emotional pain inside and helps me cope

@Steven Platt thanks buddy

Yeah nobody likes leg day lol. I never had decent legs. I’m setting myself a target of starting today and trying to make them look good for next summer

@Jefferson King yeah that’s definitely the way forward. Higher reps lighter weight. My creaky old knees can’t handle heavy. It’s definitely the intensity with legs. Thanks for the advice buddy

I can only speak for myself and I understand there are different ways of dealing with trauma, some work for others some don’t. For a long time I was a shell of myself. Anxious, low on confidence. I made a decision to cut those responsible out of my life. I’m very guarded now and it’s so bad I literally can’t bring myself to want new friends. Working on yourself is the best advice I can give. I can honestly say I’m a stronger person now as in I’ve learnt to never ever take any shit from anybody. I’m better than nobody but nobody’s better than me either! People who hurt you aren’t worth shit. You’re better than that. I trained harder, ate better, started boxing, all to try improve my confidence and self worth. One thing I’ve learnt is that it’s so common to find people who go to the gym or exercise that are all struggling with addictions or trauma. It made me feel less alone knowing there’s others out there all with similar traits. Few or no friends. Guarded. But they’ve come out the other side and although the trauma will always be part of them they’ve used it as motivation, took that pain like I have to say fuck you im better than that and ill be better than you.

@Karl Michael this is great advice. Live in the now