This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is anxiety. Good mental health and your overall wellbeing is something that BMF is truly passionate about. Br Katharine Buchanan, a BMF member, has kindly shared her story with us to help raise awareness and educate others of a growing concern in our communities.

Katharine Buchanan - in her own words:

British Military Fitness is more than exercise to me, I would go as far to say it has saved my life.

Prior to going to University I loved keeping fit. I came to Liverpool in 2007, and that marked a serious change in my life. A year later my mood dropped, and I felt suicidal. After a few months I was completely struggling with life, and I stopped exercising. Despite training to be a doctor, I failed to realise I was depressed and very ill.

My parents found a special offer for BMF in a national newspaper, and told me about it. I wasn’t keen, so my Dad said he would pay for a few months. I staggered along to my first session on a very snowy January, in my shorts! I donned the blue bib and survived, and actually enjoyed it!

All weather training

I went again in the snow, where we dragged tyres up a hill and sledged down. And that was it - I was hooked!

Four and a half years later, with various counselling, CBT and medicines, my depression is much improved. However, above all those treatments BMF has been the most helpful thing I have done. I’ve made amazing friends, done two big charity events, and I’m now a proud green big wearer.

Fitness community

BMF has made such a big impact on my life, and I don’t know where I would be without it. I wish BMF was available on the NHS for people struggling with anxiety and depression. It’s certainly changed mine and many others lives for better.

I go to BMF saying that finishing every class is an achievement, and I’m grateful to the instructors at BMF Liverpool for pushing me, supporting me and giving me some great memories.

If you have any stories you would like to share, email us at marketing@britmilfit.com.