Have you or anyone close to you ever suffered with mental illness? My answer is yes I have.
I'm so deeply proud that I get to work at an amazing hospital that dedicates themselves to mental illness. I work on a ward dedicated to helping men that are sadly suffering from mental illness.
Majority of my friends know I am a keen fitness fanatic. Fitness to me is what keeps me mentally sane.
In 2007 I too suffered a mental breakdown resulting in a lengthly stay at the hospital im now fortunate to work in. During this time I suffered the lowest moments of my life. One minute I was a working as a manager at a high fast food restaurant whilst raising two young children alone to then sectioned with stress induced psychosis. I had no idea how to get better.
After leaving hospital I was broken, I'd gone to being extremly outgoing to completely mute. Getting out of bed was the hardest thing of the day. I was so depressed I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror. I hated life. I just wanted to die.
It was then one sunny day i decided to run...I used exercise to escape. I hated it at first but the feeling of completing a short jog around Westport lake really left me energised. I decided there n then to use my mind over matter to get myself better. The power of positive thoughts to push me through this black hole. It worked.
Eleven years later I'm still here kicking my own ass.
Even better I now work at Harplands with an amazing nursing team. Everyday I support people going through their own black holes and raising money will help their stay in hospital to be more supported. I am hoping to raise as much money as I can to help costs for a new function room where patients can relax and are able to have a therapeutic input in their recovery.

On June the 10th I will be completing the potters arf marathon. I will be running every step of the way to support others with mental illness. Please help me in helping others. Every donation is appreciated.
Thank you.
Julianne.