Heather
Achieving mental health the active way
Five years ago, Heather Edlington was having a rough time. A back injury and the sudden suicide of her granddaughter had shaken her terribly. Feeling unmotivated and lacking focus at work, Heather visited her doctor.
Heather's GP diagnosed depression and wanted to prescribe anti-depressants. "I asked my doctor if there was an alternative that could improve my depression without using medication", said Heather. Her doctor recommended some specific exercises to improve her back injury, so she issued Heather with a Green Prescription to treat the depression as well as the back injury.
Heather's back injury has improved by doing the exercises her GP had prescribed, and her depression has lifted with the addition of physical activity to her day.
"I don't mean to sound dramatic, but I think that Green Prescription just about saved my life. Without it, I'd be a couch potato, depressed and unmotivated", said Heather.
"The contact with the Green Prescription Area Manager was great, and knowing that someone was interested in how I was progressing and would check in with me meant I could succeed".
Last year things got tough again, so Heather headed back to her GP for another Green Prescription. "I've done so well since then. I'm feeling great and I've lost about 10kg, so I'm looking great, too! If I'm having a bad day, I get active. It really sorts my head out", she said.
"I tell everyone I know about Green Prescriptions", Heather said. "Even if you have never been active before, just try it once, then you will know that you can try it again, and again. Don't go to the doctor for medication, go to your doctor to get active!"
Updated | 06 Jul 2006.
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