British Military Fitness (BMF) means many things to many people, but for me personally the initials take on greater significance - Being Mentally Fit.

Early in 2012 I was diagnosed with depression, a condition that affects one in three people in their lifetime. My immediate actions will probably come as no surprise to anyone who has suffered, is suffering or is familiar with this illness. I took the decision to withdraw from 'life'. I was signed off from work, I shut myself off from everyone and everything and stopped exercising. In fact, I did everything that you shouldn’t do.

Luckily, I was referred to a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) course where I learnt many things, especially that:

• Motivation follows action
• Goal setting is important
• Repeatable, pleasurable activity lifts a low mood
• Exercise aids recovery

Fortunately for me, all four of the above are wrapped up in a very neat little bundle called British Military Fitness. Using what I had learned in therapy I actively engaged in BMF again, and it has been hugely important in my ongoing recovery.

Motivation follows action
After a BMF session I feel energised and eager to do more ‘phys’. Thanks to BMF and the Major Series, I have learnt to love running. I am doing my first half marathon this month and have also signed up for the London Duathlon, as I now enjoy cycling too.

Goal setting
Setting targets and smashing them gives me a huge sense of achievement. Seeing and feeling the results of exercise gives me the incentive to keep trying harder.

Repeatable, pleasurable activity
You may have noticed a theme here. I love being able to do BMF 3 or 4 times a week, every week come rain, shine or snow. The positive effects of regular participation have been huge for my recovery.

Exercise aids recovery
It’s not just the physical exercise in BMF classes that makes me happy. The camaraderie and support from everyone at BMF has given me the strength to be open and talk freely about my illness. A BMF friend recently said to me, "Depression? You're the happiest guy I know".

The instructors at BMF Cheam have been amazing. When I told them I was suffering from depression they didn’t treat me any differently and that was exactly what I needed. I can’t thank them and my fellow BMFers enough, exercise is crucial when living with depression. Through exercising with BMF I have found friendship, support and encouragement. It has been essential to helping me manage my depression one day at a time.

If writing and talking about my experience helps just one other person who is suffering to get the help that they need, then my mission is accomplished.

So from a man who is fitter both physically and mentally I want to say, thank you BMF.

- Jonathan Langridge

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK - 13-19 MAY

Mental Health Awareness week runs from 13-19 May. The theme for this year's campaign is physical activity and exercise, highlighting the impact they have on mental health and wellbeing. To get involved and support the campaign please visit the Mental Health Foundation.

GET YOUR SUMMER STARTED WITH BMF START

Feeling inspired? Try BMF this May, June or July at one of our START events for beginners. We have over 400 events nationwide so there's bound to be one near you. BMF START sessions are free but places are limited - book your place now.