Phoebe's Story
As soon as I get in the water, I feel weightless.
Phoebe was diagnosed with MS, depression and anxiety in 2020, but has been able to manage her conditions with the help of her miniature dachshund, Noodle.
Phoebe was rushed to A&E in 2020, and following a brain scan, was told she has MS. For a while after that, Phoebe felt like her life had come to a stop, and she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. But then she got Noodle, her dachshund puppy, and he changed her life “overnight”. Suddenly, Phoebe was motivated to get out of bed in the morning, put on her shoes, and head out for a walk because Noodle needed her.
How Phoebe Gets Moving
At first, walking with Noodle was difficult, and Phoebe could only manage short walks. But, as her mental and physical health improved, short walks turned into longer walks, which turned into adventures and the opportunity to meet new people. As well as daily dog walks, Phoebe also loves swimming, and if Phoebe is swimming, so is Noodle. Phoebe says when she’s in the water, she feels like her condition “floats away” and that for her, exercising with Noodle has been a “complete game changer.”
Related Resources
Here are some resources related to Phoebe's story about moving more:
Rethink Mental Illness - Mental Illness and Being Active