YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Hi,

I keep being encouraged to go to the gym. Both from well-meaning friends and from the mental health community. The thing is there are many reasons why I just can't go. Mainly I'm too ugly, gyms are full of attractive people looking great, I'll be really out of place. I have no gym clothes and wouldn't have a clue what to wear. If I was to buy stuff I'd look like a try hard getting all the 'right' stuff. I'm not sporty or physically skilled, I was always picked last in PE. I hate the way life in this world is so ruled by physical characteristics.

I know what you mean, I am terrified of the idea of going to the gym because of my weight, my pot-belly, and my scrawny arms. If you are able to put other people's opinions behind you and go to the gym anyway, I salute you. You would be a better man than me.