Good advice Sue. I like walking.

One of the most distressing things when I was young was being punished for being angry. It made the feelings worse. So I thought I must have been born bad. I wanted to walk because that was the only time I didn't feel ill from tension. But I wasn't allowed to go alone. I wasn't allowed to ask = "manipulating". On the rare occasions we went out we didn't go far and any beneficial effects were ruined because I was verbally and psychologically attacked more than usual so the tension became worse. She wanted me to walk close to her but I needed to be as far apart as possible. She was constantly miserable when we went out and that made me feel guilty. She would hardly respond when I tried to converse with her. I was afraid she would use the slightest excuse to punish me by going home again. It didn't take much and she had a habit of saying things she knew hurt me (and caused anger which was an excuse to punish me) and trying to get me to do what hurt too or being obstructive. So self help therapy was put out of reach so I'd be in despair especially when others talked about long solitary walks. I wasn't allowed to go walking with just my Dad as girls shouldn't go out with Dads. Dads are only for sons. My Dad loved walking too but we were not allowed to do what would have been good for both of us. Then I was told I was "making her ill" because I was depressed and withdrawn.

Sometimes a lump of clay or plasticene helps too. Or cleaning. I keep wanting to go to the gym and try out their exercise cycles but it's so expensive. It's a pity doctors can't write out a prescription for them - you know like you take it to an NHS gym instead of the pharmacy and it says one hour three times a week after meals. Well it's better than the dreams I usually have anyway.

Hi Sue, i like this idea...i'd never have considered it before now, thank you for sharing it.

Hi OuchZone, just thought i would jump in with a suggestion. I know you where probably joking with the idea of receiving exercise on the NHS...but you can actually get this (as Ironic as it sounds). Its part of their Health promotion schemes, and although the eligibilty criteria is strict and its only offered in some parts of the UK...some people have received it.

Take gentle care all, Raindancer