A WOMAN who claims bodybuilding saved her life has set her sights on becoming a world class champion.

Andrea Corbett, 40, quit her job as a teacher after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2015.

When the mother-of-one of Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow saw bodybuilders training at her local gym it changed her outlook on life.

“I was missing deadlines at work and one day I just broke down and started crying uncontrollably and couldn’t stop,” she said.

“I had an extreme panic attack and couldn’t get out of the car. I was put on anti-depressants but I was still in a very dark place and had insomnia.

“I decided to go to the gym and was inspired by bodybuilders I saw. I realised I could make something of myself.

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“While I was there nothing else mattered. Positive changes started to occur and I realised it was because I was now focusing on creating my ultimate self. It makes me a strong person.”

Ms Corbett was placed fifth at the World Bodybuilding Championships in 2016 and was crowned the women’s physique champion in the UK competition for the past two years.

She has also re-invented herself as a wellbeing coach and founded the company Andrea Corbett Ltd which provides mind and body workouts for women.

The breakdown in the relationship with her son Khyien, 19, was the “lowest point” for Ms Corbett, who is still working to rebuild the bond.

“Some days I couldn’t get out of bed and I was constantly aggressive and angry. Now he is so proud of me and what I do and happy he’s got his mum back,” she said.

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After receiving a negative response from those she confided in, the athlete has now make it her priority to tackle the lack of understanding surrounding mental health.

She said: “When I told people about my mental health problems they said ‘what have you got to be depressed about?’

“They were very judgemental and one of the main reasons I want to educate people about mental health is because of the ignorance.

“I want to breakdown the stigma and show young girls how to focus on something positive.

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“What I would say to people is there is help out there. They should speak to someone or call a helpline or send me an email and I will try to help.”

Ms Corbett is the founder of the not-for-profit group ‘Focus On Creating your Ultimate Self’ (FOCUS) which works with services in Waltham Forest to promote positive mental and physical health.

She is currently training for this year’s World Bodybuilding Championships which will take place in France in December.