Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. ☺️

I have chosen Mind as my charity for this event as this is one charity I can closely relate to and has my heart for numerous reasons. I myself have suffered with mental health, just like millions of other people out there do daily. I have come a long way on my personal health journey over the last 2 years, attending monthly mind over matter walks, open water swimming and now training weekly martial arts which have all had a huge impact on my mental state and well being, but in particular martial arts.

From the age of 7, I grew up around my next of kin with deep depression, never really understanding it or accepting it, which was really tough growing up around at times. Until it hit me the same. Lockdown played a huge part on my mental health, resulting in turning to alcohol nearly on a daily basis. I felt lost and so low that I felt I had no purpose anymore in life and had no reason to continue, leading to suicidal thoughts and overall bad health. I have done everything in my power to gain my mental strength back ever since. I walked out of the hospital with a prescription that, yes did help in some ways, but made me feel I was a stranger in my own body.

I am now 1 year 7 months medication free, the most grateful I have ever been regarding my life/circumstances and most importantly the happiest I have been since I can even remember. It hasn’t been easy, life isn’t! But I strongly believe you have to find something that you enjoy and love, persue it and surround yourself with positivity and like minded people to get through the hard times. That I have found in my hobbies including martial arts, helping me stay focused, disciplined, gain mental and physical strength and something to focus on. I only drink for special occasions now and couldn’t think of anything better, other than training every day 🫶

I have also recently come to believe that I maybe somewhat, somewhere potentially on the spectrum of having adhd having read into this a lot. This would explain a lot about my personality and behaviours, crazy work ethic, hyper focus, extreme hobbies, impulsiveness (this fight 😂), forgetfulness, burn outs and lots of other behaviours, which also millions of people around the UK struggle with daily!

I havn’t shared this story with many people, but I am no longer ashamed to and or looking for sympathy or attention in doing so. I am hoping to raise as much money as possible by opening up, sharing my story and making people aware that you are not alone out there and to send a message to never give up! Things do get better in time if you work hard! 💪

Stepping out of my comfort zone and stepping into that cage is certainly going to be by far the most scariest thing I will have attempted, so win or lose I have achieved something and my aim is to raise awareness of mental health conditions and raise money towards this great cause that supports people in need of help and support, and to maybe just help save at-least one persons life in doing so! 🥊 (you may also just donate if you want to see me get punched or potentially choked out 😂 the choice is yours but either way, please dig deep 🙏) *Also my inbox is always open for anyone needing an ear and my door is always open with a brew waiting!

It’s okay not to be okay 👌 - speak out 🗣️🫶

Lots of love - Sarah xoxo

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