Off Antidepressants After 18 Years: From Medication to Movement
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Some stories are too powerful not to share. This one came from a client who has been with me for the last nine months. Her journey speaks to the heart of what CFIT is really about — showing up, finding strength in movement, and building a life that feels good inside and out.
With her permission, here’s her story.
“Movement is medicine.”
What an extremely underrated phrase — and one that now means everything to me.
I joined Catherine’s running group during the third intake, after watching the first two go by. Why didn’t I join sooner? Simple — I didn’t believe I could do it.
I worried I’d hold people back.
I worried people would judge me.
I just didn’t have the confidence.
At the time, my self-confidence and depression were at an all-time low. Reaching out to Catherine to ask about personal training was a huge deal for me. When she replied and said she’d have space in a few weeks, I was delighted… but then the panic kicked in again.
What if she thought I wasn’t the right fit?
What if I did something wrong?
What if I made a fool of myself?
And how wrong I was.
The truth is, I was on and off antidepressants for nearly 18 years. Some days were so mentally painful that the thought of leaving the house would become physically painful too. I didn’t think anything could change that. Until it did.
Fast forward nine months…
And I’m off my antidepressants.
I’m thriving — not just surviving.
Why CFIT Was Different
I’m so incredibly grateful to CFIT. Not just the brand — but what it represents. CFIT is more than weights, reps, how fast you run or how lean you are. It’s not just about physical strength. It’s about mental strength, too — and now I see how closely the two are connected.
CFIT is a community.
And I love that.
There’s something so special about it — something unspoken. We build each other up. We never tear each other down. You might not even speak every time, but it’s the smile or wave you get when you pass someone from the run group in the street. That moment of connection. You feel seen.
The Lifestyle I Never Knew I Needed
This journey has changed me in ways I never expected. I feel free. I feel light. I feel connected. This lifestyle — the one Catherine coaches and lives and breathes — has become something I never knew I needed.
It’s not just about one thing. It’s the combination of movement, mindset, and community that makes it so powerful.
Nine months ago, I could never have imagined feeling this way.
I am strong in my body —
And now, strong in my mind.
A Personal Thank You
To Catherine: thank you for all the encouragement, for listening to me (rants and all!), for showing up, and for creating something so much bigger than fitness.
CFIT the brand is incredible.
CFIT the community is a joy.
But CFIT the person — that’s invaluable.
I wear my CFIT jumper, t-shirt, and vest proudly. And I’ll continue to speak about CFIT to anyone who’ll listen — because I now know how life-changing movement can be. Especially with you.
If this story resonated with you, know that you’re not alone — and that change is possible. Movement is medicine. The CFIT community is here to support you every step of the way.
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