So I'm Suz, Hi! so why on earth have i decided a 25 mile walk through london at night would be a good idea?
Well...
I've suffered from mental health problems nearly all my life. I've struggled with severe ocd from the age of 8 which got progressively worse into my teenage years. I began self harming aged 15, a battle I continue to this day. Aged 20 I developed anorexia nervosa from which I have had 3 relapses. As a result of my enduring mental health struggles I have been given a queried diagnosis of BPD, a label at first I rejected but I am coming to find the value in, in terms of pin pointing the roots of my problems.
Services have been at best patchy, awareness and acceptance worse still! I was suspended from my first college because of self harm (fortunately Aylesbury College have been much more supportive) I've been jibed at in the street for my self harm scars and I've had to fight most my life to prove to others that just because I am a danger to myself, that I pose no risk to others.
I'm walking to raise awareness that mental illness happens to 1 in 4 people, it could be you, or your brother, mother, sister, or one of your friends. It doesn't discriminate against class, or age, or race, or any demographic marker for that matter.
Please sponsor me to help raise money for the amazing charity Borderline who do a FANTASTIC job of raising awareness and providing support and peer led services for those affected with a difficult diagnosis. Every penny counts, every share is a raising of awareness.
You don't need to walk with us to stand with us! the only step you need to take is to share, to spread the word, to walk YOUR talk about mental health equality and help stamp out discrimination.
Thank you and God Bless
xxx
