Daniel Radley
Dans Miles for Mind
Fundraising for Mind In Bradford
Story
MIND:
We believe in better mental health for all and won't stop until everyone who is struggling with their mental wellbeing or supporting some one who is, has the help they need to cope and recover. Very often the support we provide keeps people who are struggling out of hospital, helping them instead to achieve wellbeing and create a fulfilling, happy life. Last year we supported over 3000 people locally and because of your fundraising and generosity there is so much more we will be able to do to make sure no one struggles alone. Thank you.
MY STORY:
In my lifetime I have known, been friends with or worked alongside men which have had their own mental health challenges. Yet, like so many, have found it difficult to reach out further due to the stigma attached to mental health. Men can find it much harder to share their feelings or struggles. Therefore, the suicide rates in Males are much higher.
I am passionate about raising awareness and hope we reach a time where there isn't a stigma attached to Men's mental health. Mind is a fantastic charity, their support and resources can really make a difference to those in need.
Just over a year ago when we entered the first lockdown, many of us wouldn't have predicted just how long the restrictions would remain in place for and the impact it would have on so many of us. Nobody knew what to make of it and how best to deal with the situation.
For myself personally I've found the challenges of multiple lockdowns difficult. Me and my partner took the logical decision to move in together at the start of the first lockdown, once rules were in place that we could not move between households. Our relationship was flourishing, yet moving in together during such restricted times brought many new challenges we hadn't faced before. Like many young couples we had the difficult task of juggling working from home initially, balancing childcare and getting through day to day tasks. Over the course of the year the lockdown conditions takes it's toll on couples and we were no exception. We were totally under-prepared for such big changes and as time passed this impacted us increasingly.
Getting through this period as a couple became more challenging and unfortunately our relationship came to an end in mid January. I had to come to the realisation that I would have to move away immediately, find somewhere new to live independently and that my life would be moving in a different direction to the way we had planned. I am aware there will be many more unique examples where Men will find themselves in lockdown in a similar situation feeling isolated, where it is more difficult than ever to reach out to a support network. No matter what the situation, nobody should face situations which trigger feelings such as depression or anxiety alone.
I have decided that I will take part in the Mind 2.6 Challenge. I will be cycling, running or walking 260 miles every month until I reach my fundraising target. I will be sharing my progress on JustGiving and Instagram (MilesforMind_). This is a challenge that not only means a lot to me but also has others in mind who have had their own unique challenges during lockdown and prior. I am looking forward to supporting Mind in what should be a great challenge and hope to get people involved!