I was diagnosed with clinical depression during my senior year of high school. Now, I realize that you may not believe in depression (clinical or another form). Here in the U.S., the most common solution is to take a pill to solve all your problems- I get it.
But let me tell you from my personal experience that clinical depression is real. Horribly real.
My parents divorced when I was in middle school and I got my heart ripped out of me from my first ‘real love’ the summer before my senior year. Trying to process these events were tough. I know this may not sound super traumatic- it’s not compared to other people’s- but by the beginning of my senior year of high school I was a complete wreck.
*It’s too much information for me to explain every little detail surrounding my diagnosis, but to summarize it:
I was extremely apathetic, unhappy, self-centered, negative, bitter, and angry at the world. I felt hopeless- internally defeated. I couldn’t “get up.” I was stuck in a miserable, negative thought-cycle for many months. Whenever I think back to who I use to be I cringe inside.
So what changed?
Faith and Fitness.
I truly found who God really is when I came to Liberty, and I found an avenue (lifting) where I was bettering myself.
Many people turn to other things to escape from their internal pain, like alcohol for example. I understand how this is enticing because it provides an escape and makes you temporarily happy- but it’s a false sense of happiness and you’re damaging your body internally.
Lifting has several positive benefits both internally and externally; you release endorphins, you burn calories and build muscle which forms a more aesthetic physique. Boom. What a combo.
In light of everything that is going on in the world right now, I encourage you to just contemplate your life and what really matters. What are you living for? What are your dreams?
It’s my hope that you find joy in fitness and happiness through Jesus.
Connect with me on IG @hmillerfit
Hannah Miller Fitness Blog 
Take advantage of our organic vegan protein powder giveaway! It is great for post workout. Here is the link to the contest http://woobox.com/qi8tom!
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This is a great post! I too was diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder and it held me back majorly in terms of being outgoing. Faith and fitness certainly helped me a long the way heavily, even if the reasons I got into fitness weren’t the best (to impress a girl I was dating lol). Mine was actually hereditary and I was always afraid to seek help in fear of seeming pathetic in some way. I was also afraid of medication, but now that I have taken medication and actually been cured, I certainly encourage everyone to go on in for an evaluation. No matter how terrifying medication sounds, it certainly seems like a better option than say alcohol or any other substance abuse. Anyways, keep up the great posts!
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Thanks for stopping by CV_FIT 😉
I really enjoyed reading your comments. It’s great to hear when someone else overcomes depression through faith and fitness too!
Major depression runs in my family as well. I too was hesitant about taking medication, but in the beginning it’s what I needed to start “getting out of the hole.”
Thanks for sharing!
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Well I’ll be sure to stop on by more often!
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Looking fantastic in that photo. Rack pulls?
Not sure why you would assume that people from other countries do not believe in depression. It doesn’t chose religion, race, nationality etc.
I have much experience on the subject and although I’ve never written about it, I will do so at some stage when I have the strength to go back to that time.
I’m living for the life I have been lucky enough to have borrowed for the time that I am on this earth and for the life of my children and their children.
My dreams? To be mindful of the moment. To expect nothing of anyone and to be the best that I can be with the resources that I have available to me. Most importantly though, for my children to be happy and balanced in all they are and all they do.
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I am actually doing stiff legged deadlifts here (pic taken while I was takin’ a quick breather haha).
I know several people from the U.S. and from other countries who don’t believe that major depression is real; they think it’s all in your head. I agree with you. It is not limited by religion, race, etc., good point!
Writing about struggling with depression is tough because it requires you to go back into that dark time and recall everything. I do encourage you to share your experience when you’re ready because many people can relate and would appreciate to know that there are others in the same boat. 🙂
Enjoyed reading your nice words about your dreams and your mentality for living life. Keep it up girl! 🙂
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Great post! I was also depressed growing up because I was getting bullied in school. Just like you, I found my outlet to be exercise. Keep up the great work!
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Thank you! Glad you too found an outlet in fitness. It’s very rewarding 🙂
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Such a great post. I have never suffered with depression but I’ve had friends who do. Its great to see that you have been able to find something to make it easier for yourself! Well done.
Hannah x
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Thank you for those kind words Hannah! 🙂
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Great post. I feel like I’m still in the midst of my own depression. I just haven’t felt like me since my dad passed away. That was 3 years ago. It sucks. I’m still trying to find something that’ll help. Like you, I don’t want to go the medication route.
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Sorry to hear about your dad Miss K.
If it’s been three years and you still feel very depressed I would encourage you to visit a doctor that you like and trust. Tell them what you’ve been feeling and go from there. Faith and fitness help tremendously, but your body (brain) may need a supplement in that area so to speak.
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Good morning, and good news (if you like to join): Three-day quote challenge!!! You can check the rules in my post 🙂 https://chapeblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/22/three-day-quote-challenge-iii-day2/
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I can relate with your entire experience, especially where you said ” I know this may not sound super traumatic…” People really never know how it feels to be like in other people’s shoes, and that could really hurt even more. I’m really glad and inspired by the fact that u found true therapy in God and fitness, that’s really amazing!
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Love this post! Thank you for sharing your story. Jesus is the true healer 🙂
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I know this is a serious post and all, but . . . Damn! That pic tho!!😁
And of course, glad you are feeling better😊
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Thank you Onomatopoeicbliss! 🙂
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Reblogged this on In Between Moderation and commented:
Great post r
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Hi!
Congratulations on being one of Danny’s featured bloggers. I was one of his featured bloggers too. Maybe you can check out my blog. While there, please join us at my New Years blog party.
Janice
PS it is nice you support people through depression
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Hey! I love your blog. I’m very new to wordpress and figuring out how everything works but I just stumbled upon yours and I would love to hear more about your journey! I also have depression and last year was really the lowpoint for me, exercise became obsessive, normal behaviour minimal, but lately I have stopped taking my medication and feel no negative effects yet! I think the power of heavy lifting and balance is being my natural happy pill and i’m loving it.
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Hello, and thank you! 🙂
I am glad to hear that you have taken up lifting and that it has helped you with depression and that you’re loving it! I get so excited when I hear that from others who have also struggled with depression.
As for my journey, what specifically would you like to know? 🙂
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