Hi my name is Sallyann,
I just wanted to let you know how mental health has affected me and my family.
My Brother committed suicide some years ago and this was the start of my mental health journey...
After going through such a shock in my life with my Brother to suicide and my own personal issues I tried to take my own life. I was in a very dark place and I just didn't see the point in life anymore.
Thankfully my cry for help was heard and I am still here to tell the tale. I didn't find running it found me. A friend suggested I went with her and I put it off for a long time but finally built the courage. I am pleased i did as it helped me to grow in confidence and appreciate my self worth. The feeling after a run was euphoric!
Fast forward many more years and running has been in and out of my life but has always been there to support me through difficult times. After my marriage break up I took to the streets again and it was my absolute sanity and helped me meet my now Hubby who shares my interest in running.
As part of my healing journey I am running my first ever half marathon in October to raise awareness of male suicide and being supported by my Daughter and Hubby.
I know that no how tough my days might be running gives me so much back and it has changed my life for the better.
I hope my story encourages others to give it a go and appreciate that mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. We really must learn to talk and say when we need help.
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Thanks to Sallyann for sharing this story. As part of #MilesForMind we want to raise money for Mind and also awareness of mental health issues.
It's OK to have a mental health issue, it's OK to talk about mental health, and it's OK to ask for help.
We firmly believe that running can contribute to a healthy body, and healthy mind and we hope sharing people's stories of mental health and running will inspire others to lace up for better mental health.
