Gym's small gesture makes a big difference for Alberta man’s mental health
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Staff at a Planet Fitness gym noticed when regular member Damien Uzelman stopped attending for several weeks.
- Uzelman, who had been using the gym to cope with mounting life stresses and mental health struggles, was touched when staff presented him with a signed card.
- The gesture helped Uzelman feel seen and motivated him to return to the gym more frequently and speak out about men's mental health.
A small gesture of kindness from gym staff made a significant impact on Damien Uzelman's mental health journey. Uzelman, a regular at the Sherwood Park Planet Fitness for over a year, had been using the gym as a refuge while dealing with increasing life stresses. However, his mental health declined, causing him to stop his twice-weekly visits.
The last few weeks, I haven’t been doing well, mentally.
When Uzelman eventually returned, the gym staff, who had noticed his absence, made sure he felt welcomed and supported. They presented him with a card signed by multiple staff members, expressing their encouragement and appreciation. Uzelman, who has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, described the card as an "emotional" moment that reminded him of the goodness in the world.
Before that, the gym would be the only place I would go because of the people there, the staff there and just the environment there was very welcoming.
"When I got the card, I was just in a very emotional state," Uzelman told Global News. "You get a simple gesture as a card and you’re just like, ‘there are nice people in the world, thank goodness.'" He shared the experience on social media, hoping to express his gratitude and encourage others. The supportive environment at Planet Fitness, free from judgment, has been crucial for Uzelman, allowing him to focus on his well-being. The gym's general manager, Megan L’Heureux, emphasized their commitment to fostering a supportive community, encouraging anyone hesitant to start their fitness journey.
When I got back after being off for a few weeks, the staff were just so excited to see me.
Inspired by the staff's kindness and his own experiences, Uzelman has increased his gym attendance to six days a week. He is also using his voice to advocate for men's mental health during Men's Health Month, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding men seeking help and to combat high suicide rates. "Men cry," he stated, challenging the traditional notion that men should suppress their emotions. By sharing his story, Uzelman hopes to prevent other families from experiencing the loss associated with male suicide.
Today I get this card, because I explained to them what was going on and they’ve all written these amazing, amazing things.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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