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I suffer from long term depression and often become anxious about being with people. It took me a very long time to realise I had an illness and that I didn’t have to feel the way I did. Even when I realised and got help, it was a long road before I felt anywhere near ‘normal my again. I was embarrassed that I had ‘mental health problems’ and did t want to admit it to people. I didn’t want them to either look fine on me or treat me like I might break. I heard that exercise was supposed to help your mind, so one, unremarkable day, I downloaded a couch to 5k app and laced up my trainers. I won’t lie, it was hard going, but every time I got home I felt liberated! 

I suddenly realised that I was ill and I shouldn’t be ashamed of that fact, so I started talking about it. I had no idea the effect thar would have on me and others. I felt like a weight was off my shoulders and people starting admitting to me that they had/did feel in that position and it started conversations that people hadn’t had before. Some people even started to recognise symptoms on themselves that they hadn’t realised they had, like me at the beginning of it all.

I became passionate about getting this taboo out in the open and helping those that needed it as I had such an amazing support network around me. I applied and got accepted to train with the Samaritans to become a listener on the phones. I started the training but due to unforeseen circumstances couldn’t complete it. My circumstances changed after that and I couldn’t start the training again but instead became a mental health first aider at my work (they are really concerned with mental health and well-being). However, I still wanted to do something for this charity that I believe in, so to challenge myself and raise money and awareness, I have decided to do a year of events.

I will be starting in April with Manchester Marathon. I haven’t decided on all the months events but I will definitely end it with another marathon in April 2021.

Please help me to help those who need it and don’t have a support network like I do!

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