Everyone is blessed with the gift of imagination, yet we are often guilty of accepting things at face value. They say a picture conveys a thousand words, and I’m sure if you look at the above picture, anxiety and depression are not two which come to mind.

At the time of this photo I was in fact living with anxiety and depression, however unwilling I was to accept it. In all aspects of life, I was always very independent, deeming asking for help as a sign of weakness. I treated my mental health the same way, and as a result things spiralled to the point I couldn’t cope anymore. This essentially culminated in the development of suicidal thoughts.

It wasn’t until this stage that I accepted help was required. I am extremely fortunate to be in the position where I was able to undertake private psychological support, where I met the most amazing person in Dr Michael Patterson OBE. The friendship I developed with Michael changed my life, evidenced by the fact I have transformed from having social anxiety, to moving to Australia! 

Northern Ireland is in the midst of a crisis in mental health, and for the majority, large waiting lists await on the NHS. Unfortunately, help at times comes too late, and not everyone has a success story like mine.

I am therefore having a go at the Sydney marathon, raising funds for AWARE. The service they provide is free of charge to those in need, which provides a lifeline and chance to change lives. Any funds I can raise will help ensure these much necessitated services reach as many people as possible.

I am greatly appreciative of your time in reading my story, and if you would like to join me in contributing a few pence that would be fab!! 

Much love,

Pete xx 

AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland working for people with depression and bipolar disorder. AWARE has an established network of 24 support groups in rural and urban areas across the country, which are run by trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression & bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. AWARE deliver mental health & well being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities & workplaces across Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.aware-ni.org