happy anniversary
I’ve largely kept myself to myself the last few years and shy’d away for posting any mental health stuff. I’ve tried to keep ASCND going in a number of ways, you can see the tone change in the journals from when I was super active to seriously ill and then onto my recovery. Ahead of Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day I thought I’d take the time to celebrate both still being here and some of my achievements.
Over the last couple of years I’ve had my ups and downs, fortunately no serious downs. Able to recognise stress and illness and the difference.
It’s been a fairly wild ride but next year I’m due to turn fifty. There were times when I thought I’d never make it this far, when I was low or being cared, I never thought I’d be stable, content or even happy, but here I am.
Since 2017 I’ve had periods of hope and total despair, I’ve preached about being open and honest to completely isolating myself and retreating away form everything and everyone. I think I’ve found where I’m comfortable, I’m no longer or open but I am honest with myself and those around me and that’s something to celebrate.
I’ve done some pretty incredible things in the name of fundraising:
The ride from Biarritz to Venice The Big Sommet AFGO, 2800 km and 55,000 metres of climbing, 8 passes in the Dolomites in a day for Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day, (video below) 4382 km in a month March 2020 and a shit load of money for both Movember and TNN from the Karl Kopinski Rapha jerseys.
All great stuff but still being here and being OK is an even bigger achievement and something to celebrate. I haven’t got here on my own and thanks to Oriana for being by my side
If you’ve never seen this video or know what i’m about i’ve attached it below.
Useful links
Movember
Globally, every minute, a man dies by suicide. In the United Kingdom, 75% of suicides are men. I was almost one of them.
Worried about a friend or relative SPOT THE SIGNS
My MoBro Donation Page
Provides information and support to make sure no-one has to face a mental health problem alone through a infoline and text service.
Seeks to prevent male suicide offering support to men in the UK, of any age, who are down or in crisis via their helpline and website.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
To speak with someone immediately, contact Samaritans on 116 123.
If life is in danger, call 999 or go directly to emergency services.