Mental Health affects us all in ways we cannot explain. For some we cope, we accept and battle through but for others it can become overwhelming and we focus on surviving from day-to-day. We can hide the traumas or triggers in our lives, we can smile and say we are fine.... until we are not.

Being personal to myself on many levels, I am undertaking multiple challenges throughout the year (see below) to raise some money for charities that provide support to local communities and offer advice for those that don't know how to cope or feel the pressure in every day life.

I suffer from Complex PTSD. This is an anxiety disorder often caused by stressful, frightening or distressing events.
A few years ago I suffered a traumatic experience, I became fearful of being seen and scared of public places, my anxiety grew and I went into survival mode. This changed my life. I changed my car and location so I wasn't recognised. At this time, I thought I was protecting myself when anxiety was at its worst. But I didn't really have control of who I was and became further affected by mental health difficulties. I thought I was ok but I filled all my time working three jobs and not allowing myself to process the trauma and its affects on my life. I found myself losing sight of the joys, I lost connection to those around me and I didn't realise it at the time but I isolated myself from the life I had.

In 2016, I found the courage to move. This brought me to MidWales where I completed further education. I had something to focus on and had more faith in myself. My skills and experience grew and I felt I had more control in who I was. But I was haunted by the past and my fresh start, started to fade. That year, amongst my achievements, my smiles, and those telling me how proud they were of me, I was fighting depression. I was fixated on the losses I had, the negatives and my mind played irrational thoughts. It is a dark place to be in and an incredible difficult one to get out off. And I found I couldn't do it alone.

Over the years, I have found help through an array of practices including; counselling, mindful exercises, CBT and CAT referrals, Self-help courses and PTSD therapy. Its been a long journey and I'm still finding my way but I couldn't do it without the support received and the community around me.

Some of you may know the history behind my story, the traumas, the misfortunes as I have grown stronger. But this is not about making my story known, its about how the resources made available has helped me in the darkest days and how overtime I have regained confidence, happiness and comfort of those around.

Therefore, I want to acknowledge and support these two charities as they support those when life can be overwhelming.

" A fresh start isn’t a new place. It is a new mindset…"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
💙🌟Chosen Charities🌟💙

I have selected two charities to support both being close to my heart and to raise awareness to a foundation that is doing an incredible difference in Wales.

1. **Mind Aberystwyth** - Working across Ceredigion for better mental health | Geithio ar draws Ceredigion i gael gwell iechyd meddwil.

2. **DPJ Foundation** - Set up in 2016, the DPJ supports those in rural communities and the agricultural sector. The mental health charity covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support. This foundation works with leading organisations, including NFU Cymru, FUW, YFC, Vets and Welsh Government, to help provide an accessible and flexible service. This Welsh charity reduces stigma that surrounds poor mental health, educates people with mental health awareness training and provides counselling and a 24/7 helpline.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Challenges - so far! 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Throughout 2024 I am challenging myself to a series of events (12 in 12 months) and challenges that take me out of my comfort zone.

Getting out and exercising really has proven to be an incredible benefit to mental health so I am aiming to get fitter and fight it!

🌟January - I started the year by challenging myself to a minimum of 5k-a-day activity. This is on top of my normal day and involves an variety of running, walking and cycling. Some days have proved very difficult and the temptation to 'give it a miss' was very close. But I succeeded! On top a long day, a simple walk or 20 minutes on the turbo trainer has completely changed my mindset.

Having achieved this for my own wellbeing -I am aiming for 12 events in 12 months, pushing me out of my comfort zone.

🏃‍♀️ March 10th - Pembrey multi terrain 10k. I have never competed in a run. ever. So I have signed up to my first ever 10k! Start small right?? For some this is more than doable, this is a race, a fun event. For me, this will be an achievement. I am chuffed to complete this! ✔️
🏃‍♀️ April 1st - what better way to spend your birthday than running with 100s of people? Postponed from February due to flooding but still committed! ✔️
🏃‍♀️ May 19th - Cardiff 10k - was the hottest day of the year but I did it! ✔️
🏃‍♀️- June 15th - Barmouth 10k ✔️
🏃‍♀️ June 30th - Ultimate 1/2 Triathlon!!! (Half Ironman!) With the mind set of complete not compete! Distance: 1.2 mile swim - 56 mile cycle - 13.1 mile run ✔️✔️✔️✔️.

🌟The Triple Crown Swim Challenge - Total Distance: 23.75 mile 🏊‍♀️

Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End - Saturday 22nd June ✔️
Chillswim Ullswater 7.5 Miles End to End - Saturday 13th July ✔️
Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End - Saturday 31st August✔️

🏊‍♀️ July 6th - The Big Welsh Swim 6k ✔️
🏃‍♀️July 7th - Shrewsbury 10k ✔️
🏃‍♀️ October 6th - Bangor 10k ✔️
🏃‍♀️ October 20th - Abergele 10k

I'VE GOT THIS!