As some of you will know I have an unfortunately close relationship with Suicide. I've seen the devastating effects it can have on a family and the long term suffering it can cause. It's something I still struggle to talk about, but that is slowly changing. As I have matured I've encountered the benefits of talking about one's mental health and the positive effects that can have on my own wellbeing. 

At the start of lockdown, I started running as an alternative to the gym. At first, I found it a struggle. I hated being alone with my thoughts and anxieties. To me, it didn't seem particularly enjoyable. However, the more I persevered with this new pursuit the more I could see the positive effects it was having on my mental health. I was less irritable, more focussed and generally much happier.

So far the furthest I have ever ran is 16km. Therefore running a marathon will be a serious physical challenge for an average joe like myself. Thankfully I've enlisted the help of the expert Finlay McAndrew at What's Your Meta, to help me through this intense training period. 

The effects of lockdown on people's mental health are at the moment unknown. Certain charities have reported a near 200% increase in calls to their helplines. Academic studies have shown an alarming correlation between rising unemployment rates and increasing suicide figures. Many experts anticipate a surge in mental health issues as we continue to endure the effects of Covid 19.

In light of the anticipated effects of lockdown and my close personal connection with the subject matter, I wanted to get involved and make a difference. I got in touch with the Scottish Association for Mental Health and learnt a great deal about the amazing efforts they put into Suicide Prevention Projects across the country. For more information click here:

https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/suicide/suicide-prevention

After speaking with them directly I knew this was the charity for me. 

They really are making great efforts to tackle this issue within society and it's my aim to help them as best I can over the next month. 

As such, I'd greatly appreciate any help you guys could give me, whether that a monetary donation to SAMH's Suicide Prevention Projects or even just a like and share on social media channels to get the word out there.

Finally, I'd like to encourage everyone reading this to engage in the conversation, identify any mental health issues you might be suffering from and find someone you feel comfortable talking about them with. If a couple of constructive conversations about mental health are the only outcomes of this challenge I will be a very happy man. 

Thanks again guys x   

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.