Y member shares her 100-lb weight loss journey with CityNews
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20 per cent of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and eight per cent will experience major depression.
Oshawa Mary St. YMCA Centre member Michelle Parker was included in that eight per cent - until she joined the Y. Click on the image below to watch Michelle's inspiring story on CityNews:
Michelle, now 38, suffered from severe postpartum depression following the birth of her second child in 2006. Michelle was prescribed strong medication to deal with her depression, which caused her to walk around in a zombie-like state and gain a significant amount of weight.
It wasn't until May 2012 when a 270-lb Michelle decided to improve her mental health by working on her physical health.
With the encouragement of her teenage daughter, Michelle joined her local YMCA centre in Oshawa and started using the stationary bike, followed by the elliptical, and eventually cardio fitness classes. Her daughter forced Michelle into the gym every week night, which quickly paid off -- Michelle has since lost almost 100 lbs. She still visits the gym daily, and now participates in physical activities, such as runs and obstacle courses.
Michelle is also no longer taking anti-depressants.
"In the past 16 months I have become so much happier," said Michelle. "Now I don't mind getting up in the morning."
Way to go Michelle!
