THE STORY OF JO
THEIR STORY
Jo has been managing her PTSD, insomnia, eating disorder and anxiety for over a decade. Her symptoms developed after multiple traumatic workplace bullying experiences. Jo has stayed long-term in inpatient psychiatric units undergoing various therapies including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). She has experienced suicidal ideology, panic attacks, agoraphobia and bulimia. For the last 5 years Jo has been well enough to live at home with her family, however initially she could only leave the house for essential medical and psychiatric appointments.
CONDITION/s
PTSD, Insomnia, Eating Disorder (Bulimia) and Anxiety (Agoraphobia)
THE MiM DIFFERENCE
Jo started her exercise physiology sessions through the NDIS scheme with breath re-education, slow and mindful movements including Pilates-based movements and yoga to strengthen from the inside out.
It’s often hard for people to feel physically safe in their own bodies. At Mindfulness in Movement we foster mindfulness by encouraging people to observe what’s happening in different parts of their body and to focus what it feels like to work different muscles at different times. We teach breathing techniques that bring an awareness of breath and allow clients to get out of their minds and into their bodies. Eventually, Jo found that the breath work we included throughout sessions helped her to control her breathing at times of panic.
At Mindfulness in Movement, we approach each session with flexibility. Jo really liked that the exercises we did changed from day-to-day to suit how she felt and to support her to feel in control and take on her day.
THE RESULT
Once a strong foundation was built, Jo was able to progress to standing weights exercises and boxing for variety and stress release, finishing the session with a few floor-based exercises and relaxation to help her feel grounded.
Jo made meaningful improvements, both mentally and physically. She began participating in animal sanctuary activities and bike riding in the community. She gained the ability to control some of her panic attacks.
Jo now visits an animal sanctuary weekly, which is a big step for her. She is able to leave the house, drive to and from the sanctuary, and help with the animals. She finds this to be a relaxing and an important part of her week, where she can participate in the community. Jo has also started going on short bike rides and walks with her therapy dog in her local area. She enjoys the feeling of freedom that this gives her, and finds that the release of nervous energy after exercise supports her sleep.
Our goal with clients is to empower them and improve their quality of life. This can look different for everyone and we are very proud of Jo’s efforts.Names have been changed to protect patient confidentiality.
***Names have been changed to protect patient confidentiality.
