1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year.

My wife and I have had a big challenge to deal with over the last few years and I couldn’t have come so far without her love and support.

I’ve been suffering from depression for a number of years and then later OCD and Anxiety as well.  In February 2012 I reached breaking point and was unable to go back into work after a proper diagnosis.

Luckily for me I’ve had the support of my family and friends and my Psychotherapist Cath Taylor and Dr Beaini who got me through those first few months and have helped me get where I am today.  The figures show that not everyone is so fortunate.

The main reason for doing this challenge is to raise awareness of mental health and I hope that by telling my story it will help someone else feel safe enough to talk about their own mental health and how they are really feeling.  Also it is a great opportunity to say thank you to everyone that has been there for me.

One of the things that helped me get through the last few years is exercise, mainly cycling, but I have found that without a goal or challenge to aim for I don’t have any motivation.  So I set myself goals to keep me going, hence this challenge, to give me something to aim for and to motivate me to get out and overcome my anxieties. 

I am raising money for Mind http://www.mind.org.uk/  because their website and the work they do is very important. 

On their website is a ton of information and advice and it’s all in one place.  The thing I like about Mind is they cover all types of mental health problems, rather than just specialise in one area.  They have a helpline so that people can get immediate help and advice.  My wife used their website and they couldn’t exist without donations. 

To raise money I am doing my own Lakeland Mental Health Triathlon. A Triathlon which is three disciplines to represent 3 issues to over come, Depression, Anxiety and OCD.

The Triathlon will start in Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater.  It is a demanding course involving Kayaking on Ullswater, Climbing 3000 feet up Helvellyn, which is the third highest peak in England, via Striding Edge which provides one of the best-known scrambles in the lake district, and then cycling 50 miles through the Lake District over 3 steep passes ( Kirkstone, Whinlatter and Honister ) finishing at the top of Honister Pass.

Obviously this is quite a physical challenge, but for me it is also a difficult mental challenge.  I will have to overcome my anxiety on the day and keep myself motivated during the next few months to get fit enough.

 

So please help me raise some money and together let’s help someone else who maybe struggling, help them feel reassured there is help available.  

Thanks for taking the time to read my story, please donate.

Alan

 

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