Not in the script: doctors turn to parkrun and social activities to treat chronic conditions

Alicia Hopper with her dogs, Charlie and Jemma. She lives with depression and says parkrun changed her life. Photograph: Sia Duff/The Guardian

When Steph* developed insomnia and depression in her late teens, she was told to stay away from technology and try to exercise.

“It was annoying,” she says. “Because I already know that helps. If I’m at the doctor, I’m looking for something else. It’s kind of condescending.”