I am fundraising for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) to support their crucial work in providing mental health care. To contribute, I am raising at least £150 to take part in the Banchory Beast Race this September, with SAMH being the headline charity partner. My journey with mental health has been deeply personal and challenging, and I want to share my story to raise awareness and support for this vital cause.

When I was 14/15, my world started to change. Growing up in an ever-evolving technical world, surrounded by media, peers, and personal change, I found myself increasingly comparing my body to others during my last years at secondary school. Influenced by women's magazines and shows like "America's Next Top Model," I began making lifestyle changes I believed to be healthy.

People noticed the difference, and my peers started to comment on how “skinny” I looked. That word was a drug; those comments were what I craved. As I continued, my family grew worried, and eventually, I became severely ill. Diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, I was admitted to the children’s hospital through CAMHS with a dangerously low heart rate. Despite the concern of those around me, I was in denial and angry with everyone.

Inevitably, I was admitted to a teenage mental health in-patient unit, where I spent six months before being discharged. Although I got “healthier” in terms of weight, my confidence and self-esteem were still suffering. I returned to school to do my GCSEs but reached my smallest weight and wasn’t allowed to pursue my dream of being a dancer due to medical orders.

Enrolling in a catering course at college unexpectedly helped me on my journey to recovery. Realizing I had a problem, I began talking about my mental health, developing a healthier relationship with food, and finding a passion and career path as a pastry chef. At 20, I opened my own bakery and thrived.

However, I moved to Scotland a year later to broaden my knowledge and grow professionally in the hospitality industry. Over the past 11 years the industry took its toll on my mental health. The pressure of the industry led to daily battles against relapse and self-hatred. Experiencing burn-out in the past 3-4 years, I lost my passion for pastry and felt out of control of my life, struggling with anxiety and food restriction.

I stopped talking about my mental health out of shame and a belief that no one understood, as they saw me as “healthier.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many still see this illness as primarily physical, yet it remains a mental illness. Many young people suffering are refused treatment because they aren’t under a certain weight. This has to change.

Your support can help bring awareness and change to the treatment of this devastating illness. By supporting SAMH, we can work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of their weight, receives the mental health care they need.

Your contributions will directly impact SAMH's ability to provide essential services, such as:

- Counseling and support groups for those struggling with mental health issues.

- Educational programs to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.

- Crisis intervention services to provide immediate help to those in need

- Advocacy efforts to ensure better policies and resources for mental health care.

Many people don’t realise how dangerous this illness is, too many have lost their lives to it, I want to raise awareness of the difficulties and help people understand the life long effects. Your support can help bring awareness and change to the treatment of this devastating illness. Please join me in making a difference.