Mental Health Check

      After almost a year long struggle with anxiety and depression, I am so happy to say that for the most part, I am coming out of the fog. I feel committed to working out, eating better, and staying faithful to myself when it comes to self care. But just because I am feeling better, doesn't mean I forget. Depression, anxiety and suicide are things we just never talk about. Probably more than half of us are in the same boat or have been at least once in our lives, yet we never talk about it. We all struggle in silence. I will blog about this until the end of time if it means I can get one more person willing to talk about it. If I can reach out to one person today and let them know that they are not a lone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, then my job is done.

 

      Some people don't even notice that they are depressed. They don't notice or they don't want to admit it to themselves. Either way, here are some signs to look for in yourself or your friends. If you notice even two of these, for the love of all of us, talk to them, get help, listen, bring them tea, anything.

 

Top signs that you might be suffering from depression. (From my own experiences, I am not a doctor)

 

*You sleep all the time, or can't sleep at all. Maybe you want to nap all day, can't seem to drag yourself off the couch, or stay in bed all night staring at the wall. I once asked my kids what they thought I was good at and they said "You are good at taking naps."

 

*You are over eating or under eating to the point that your weight may be changing. For me, I ate like food would never grow on this planet again. I once went to the pantry, opened a bag of chips and ate the entire bag without moving.

 

*You are crying. If you cry even once a week, you are probably suffering from depression. I used to cry for no reason at all. I just felt overwhelmed all the time.

 

*You are cancelling plans with friends for no real reason.

 

*You might be yelling at your kids or loved ones, or your coworkers, or your friends. You find yourself getting pissed off over little things that don't really matter.

 

* Your personal hygiene is poor or non existent. There were times when I wouldn't wash my hair for days. I couldn't bring myself to shower and I wore the same yoga pants for months. Forget about makeup or even pretending to look like I care.

 

      If any of these things ring true for you, its ok. Its not the end of the world, there is help, and you are not alone! Please start being honest with yourself and take the time to get help. No one will think less of you, in fact they will commend you for taking the time to look after yourself. Pretending like nothing is wrong will just get you deeper into the mess you are already in. If you can't talk to a friend, talk to your doctor. However, in my experiences once you start talking to your friends, you find out that all this time you were struggling alone, you could have struggled with a friend...we all share similar stories. Good luck, and I send you love and peace tonight.

Inspiration.

      I met Carleen in 2012. She was a Booty Camp newcomer but quickly became a beloved member of the team. She was quiet at first, like most new Booty Campers, but her smile lights up a room. It took a while to bring her out of her shell, sometimes she would go an entire workout without saying much at all. Once we cracked her shy exterior, there was no turning back! Carleen, like most of us, was working hard to get the body and health that she wanted. After many years of failed diets and exercise plans, you could tell that she was serious this time about her fitness goals. Her drive was apparent and motivated us all. In February of 2013 she joined the Booty Camp Girls in the very first Boudoir Rouge and proved to everyone that no matter what your shape or size, you can be SEXY! She danced on stage in little more than her underwear in front of 200 people and totally rocked it!

 

 

      We were all so sad when she had to move away to be with her amazing and supportive boyfriend Jason. And although we were losing such an amazing women, we made sure to keep in touch over the past couple of years. In this time she has continued to challenge herself and push the limits. She has inspired me to work harder, change habits, love yourself, and keep fitness as a number one priority. Carleen truly is an inspiration. This year she has signed up for her very first TRIATHLON, which takes place in Vancouver on September 7th. Even thought she only recently started riding her bike again, and is a little afraid of the swim in the open water, she is taking on the challenge like she does all others...with umph, gusto, laughs and smiles. I can't say this enough, I am so proud of her. I have been so privileged to call her my friend and to follow her fitness journey. She shows us all that with hard work and determination, anything can be done. Carleen, I wish you luck on Monday, not that you need it, on this first of many triathlons. Love ya! Now go kick some ass!!