Not for me so much, but friends of my family. We have been supporting them this week and this has meant little time to post updates.
I managed to comfortably complete W7R3 and also nailed W8R1. No major dramas or revelations!
You may not know, but I do a lot of work around Mental Health and my good lady’s work involves SEN children. One of the charities I support is called Number 5. It is a youth counselling service that is completely free of charge to all children & young adults in the Berkshire area and they are amazing. When I get the opportunity, and am able, I will be running in half marathon for them.
If our teenage daughter’s friend, or her parents, had been aware of this service then the things that have occurred over the last week might have been avoided.
For all of you that are suffering depression or anxieties issues, or have friends in a similar situation, please be aware that there is always an organisation or person that you can talk to. And, it doesn’t take a moment to ask how someone is doing; then ask them again.
Written by
BeaglesEnd
Graduate
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I’m sorry that you’ve had a tough week. Your post struck a chord with me as I am one of those people. I’ve never been bothered about admitting to anyone that I’m having trouble coping and that I struggle every day, some days more than others. It’s why I started running, and it helps to have that as a focus. I’ve never been depressed before, but it happened very suddenly and unexpectedly.
On a brighter note, well done for the 2 runs! No dramas while running is good at this stage.
Hi Julia, sorry you been through it. It’s a tough one to deal with and I’ve been there a few times myself. I’ve had depressive episodes since I was a teenager. Much of it due undiagnosed ADHD and the self medicating and poor coping mechanisms. Some of which, food in particular, I’m still trying to kick.
It is definitely a part of health that people need to feel comfortable discussing. There is still a huge stigma attached, unfortunately particularly amongst men. We’ll quite happily open up about a broken leg, torn muscle, or a physical illness. But when the chemistry of our brains don’t work quite the right way we clam up.
Exercise is one of many amazing ways to combat depression and anxiety. Without the sport I played when I was younger I hate to think what might have become of me.
I hope you are doing better now and, if so, long may it continue!
Well done to all of you firstly for the runs and more importantly feeling comfortable and safe enough to discuss how you feel. That in itself is a massive step. I mentor a colleague/friend who suffers from anxiety and depression for starters and i have seen how debilitating it can be. There is no rhyme or reason to her day to day struggles to anyone just looking but with help,support and kindness she is getting there. She runs marathons now which helps enormously 😁She is giving me running tips too(she needs to be a miracle worker lol)
Stick in there. Everyone is here to help and support
Thanks Jane. The runs were the easiest park of the week. Equally they gave me the headspace to clear my head. Well done on your running. I have been checking in!
Beagles I salute you for the work you are doing and for supporting your friends. I totally agree with you about bringing it out in the open, especially for men.
I think the benefits of exercise in relation to mental health are well documented and I certainly like the headspace I get on a run. Doing C25K definitely kept me sane in lockdown.
This forum feels like a safe place for anyone to talk about how they feel and I hope that anyone who is struggling feels they have support on here. Obviously we’re not professionals but a listening ear and a sounding board can be the first step.
Good luck with your last runs Beagle.. so nearly there!🏁
You are so right. I work with young people often going through very difficult times (I’m a safeguarding lead in a secondary school in an area with high levels of deprivation) we try very hard to give this message to all our young people- health has two parts, physical and mental. Both need as much care and attention as the other and like physical health, mental health can also be improved with the right support.
September will see all support services overwhelmed with referrals I think 🤔
Mental health issues are truly awful. My family have a long history. I’ve had to watch my grandad and mother go through it growing up and then 18 years ago I had a breakdown myself and I still medicate for it to this very day.
May heart and prayers go out you anyone that suffers because of anything like this 🙏🏻❤️
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Should you move on to the next week if it's still tough!?
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