Hussain's Story
Hussain, a poet, author, and mental health campaigner from Ilford, Essex, shares how fitness helped him fight depression.
"Fitness played a huge role in destroying my depression."
About Hussain:
I am a poet, author, and mental health campaigner from Ilford, Essex. I am the founder of The Midnight Grief Club and my debut poetry book “Life Is Sad and Beautiful” is available soon. I also hold the World Record for the World’s Largest Mental Health lesson in partnership with King’s College London.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
Fitness played a huge role in destroying my depression. A lot of the time, mental stress on physical well-being is not discussed especially because the two must be synchronised together in order for one to have a healthy relationship with their mind, body and soul.
I began running, slowly but surely I got there and sweating became my new favourite hobby. It really helps massively with my anxiety and depression.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
- Speaking to real people around me and creating healthy spaces.
- Letting people know that certain things trigger me especially when it comes to grief (seeing people ignore phone calls from their mothers would be quite upsetting).
- Deleting music that would upset me and replacing it with fresh new sounds.
- Eating healthy!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
When your life changes, you have to change your life. At times that can be really really difficult and hard, but you can do it, you can really fight the demons and win. Take small steps for big mental changes. You got this!
– Hussain Manawer, London, UK 