At her heaviest Classroom Assistant Mandy Burns was plagued by depression and anxiety.
Unable to leave the house or perform simple daily tasks left her feeling so low the impact on her confidence and home life was devastating.
Mandy’s weight had grown to 14 stone by the time the 46-year-old, who is also a Youth Support Worker and Assistant Building Supervisor, decided to take action.
As her mental health began to deteriorate Mandy found the strength to begin the arduous journey back to better health.
Depression and Anxiety
The Newtownabbey woman revealed: “After being bullied, I was so low that I started believing the comments about how ugly and fat I was.
“I suffered with depression and anxiety, which was so bad that my eldest son left home. I knew that I was the only one who could change how I was feeling both physically and mentally.”
“The fear and anxiety meant that sometimes I wouldn’t leave the house in case I had a panic attack. My knees were sore, so I couldn’t walk far or kneel on them. I was letting my weight control my life.”
It was following a trip of a lifetime to New York in 2016 that Mandy decided to change her life for the better.
Lack Of Confidence
Although she was in the “land of dreams” Mandy’s confidence hit rock bottom in America.
“I couldn’t get any clothes to fit me when I was on holiday, and I was so disgusted with myself when I looked back on the photos that showed my weight gain, and the sadness I had in my life” she explained.
“When I got home, I joined the Larne WST Community Group in April 2016, and walking through those doors for the first time, I had instant hope that I could change my life for the better. I was given so much support.”
Support
Since beginning her journey Mandy has lost five stone through the support of her friends, colleagues and most of all her family including husband Ray and sons David (25) and Cameron (18).
“Before I lost the weight I was embarrassed at myself. I had zero confidence, and sometimes it was a struggle just to get up out of bed and get washed. My husband was fantastic, and my friends stayed by my side.
“Now I feel great! No more, sore knees, no headaches, and no depression. I am bursting with confidence, and I’m never in the house. I love being surrounded by people, and I never stop talking. I like seeing the new me in the mirror.”
For Mandy joining a community of like-minded people was absolutely instrumental in helping her achieve the positive changes she made to her diet, lifestyle and wellbeing.
“Before I joined I had lost hope, but after I joined I never felt like giving up. The tools and support were there and I chose to use them. Every member who walks through the doors inspires me daily” she said.
Continual Journey
Although Mandy has reached her weight-loss target, she is clear that her weight loss journey wasn’t a temporary quick fix but rather a permanent change in her lifestyle that she intends to maintain moving forward.
“I’m finally able to hold my head high” she said.
“I have gained so much strength, and I believe in myself. I know I am not the ugly or fat person I once thought I was. Although I have reached target, WST community is in my blood, and I will be on this plan for the rest of my life.
“I’m back to being the woman my husband fell in love with and the mummy who only thinks about her two children”.
Award Win
And to top off Mandy’s success earlier this year she won the Body & Mind transformation, sponsored by Calm Massage & Beauty at the WST Community Awards 2018.
The award was given to the member who has lost a life-changing amount of weight to change their physical appearance and has also changed their attitude towards themselves.
At the awards Mandy was also crowned WST Community champion, sponsored by Modius Health. Chosen from over 65 nominees, the judges said Mandy was a WST member who is an inspiration to all the whole community.
Awards judge Doctor Jason McKeown said, “Mandy’s story highlighted that even at their lowest, with the help of WST Community, she was still able to turn things around both mentally and physically, and now seems like a new person.”
Mandy added: “To anyone thinking of trying the WST Community, all I have to say is ‘go for it’. It’s the best decision I have ever made. I love that the community is united in facing our journey together without judgement or guilt. I have made lifelong friends, and I will never feel alone again. My only regret is that I didn’t find a group sooner.”
For more information log onto wstcommunity.co.uk