I was diagnosed with post natal depression in 2007 when my son was 4 months old. Looking back I was ill as soon as he was born. Acknowledging I did not like being a mother at all was hard. I felt so guilty, society is so quick to judge and motherhood is sold as this wonderful experience. Eventually, just before returning to work I broke down and admitted I wasn't coping. I saw my GP and was diagnosed with depression and prescribed anti-depressants. I  remember sobbing in the car afterwards, feeling so weak but also coupled with a huge sense of relief that I had admitted something was wrong.

I'm pleased to say I've come a long way since then and although I am still on medication to manage my depression, the dark days are definitely fewer. A real turning point for me was turning to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a support tool, which really encouraged me to talk openly and be honest about how I was feeling.

There is still so much taboo around the subject of mental health but with the right support you can achieve your goals. Running is definitely something that has helped me to get through some low points in my life. I'm running the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run to challenge myself  and for that euphoric hit when I cross the line!! But more importantly I am also running for all those people out there, who are suffering in silence, feeling stupid and weak and guilty over this black cloud engulfing them  and I really want to say to them all "it's ok not to be ok". You can overcome those feelings of self-doubt and come out  the other side.

Please give whatever you can and cheer me on during those inevitable moments of "I can't do this!"

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