This is one of our students Success story…
I have suffered from anxiety and depression since I was 16. I have had several episodes of moderate to severe depression for almost 20 years. As I get older, each bout becomes more difficult to recognise, more severe and longer-lasting. And with each relapse, the likelihood of suffering from another episode increases further.
After trying lots of different treatments, it is likely that I will have to be on tablets for the rest of my life. I’m very grateful that the tablets help to keep the worst of the symptoms at bay. But I’ve had to work very hard at keeping my anxiety in check and to hide from others how I’m really feeling.
Years ago, my GP told me that I should try exercise to help with my depression. I remember spending hours on a treadmill in the gym, close to tears, feeling completely intimidated by the macho atmosphere. I didn’t want to repeat that experience. I fell in love with Zumba and dancing around four years ago. But, as the classes I used to attend dwindled to only once a week, I began to lose my enthusiasm and motivation to exercise. I just felt a bit flat.
By the time I first went to one of Sveta’s classes I had been recovering from yet another episode of depression. I had had a panic attack in a public place after not having slept for two days and been taken to hospital because of it. I had ugly, permanent scars all over my body. And I was given an ultimatum by a life coach: “I can’t help you until you are ready to make yourself and your well-being your priority.” The sense of responsibility that I felt for having to appear to be OK at work was weighing me down. I dreaded each day and I couldn’t bear to think about the future.
I am not sure what made me go to that first class. I think I just wanted to forget how I was feeling, and I knew that I used to be able to do that with Zumba. I’ll never forget my first class with Sveta. It was on a Thursday evening at Deepcut Village Centre. I was struck by the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It was exhilarating – I couldn’t wait to go to Sveta’s next class!
For one hour a week, I felt alive. It gave me a little break from the overwhelming anxiety that I often experienced. After a while, I noticed that I would feel quite serene for a few hours after the class. I started going to another of Sveta’s classes on Monday evenings at Heatherside Community Centre. I also started having weekly private classes. When Sveta opened a FitSteps class at Frimley Community Centre I was thrilled. Each class gave me the opportunity to feel joyful – a feeling I never thought I would experience.
I would explain to Sveta that going to her classes was a special treat for me. I was inspired by her positive outlook on life, her enthusiasm and her kindness. No matter what level of fitness you are at, or your reason for going to her classes, she is always encouraging and supportive. I would also tell my friends, family and colleagues how much I enjoyed her classes. One day, one of my colleagues remarked that I seemed much calmer these days. And it struck me: I was feeling well in myself. I no longer made a conscious effort to smile – I did it automatically. I was sleeping better than I had been for years. I felt energetic and rested. I realised that I had begun to make my well-being a priority.
I’ve been going to Sveta’s classes for just over a year now. I’ve seen how much of an impact exercise has had on my life and it has been so much fun. I’ve met so many wonderful ladies who inspire me each day and I really feel like I am part of a community. Thank you so much, Sveta! I’m truly grateful to you for helping me to recover from depression and for helping me to discover joy!
