One Foot Forward OCT’21
I am walking 400km to support Australians living with mental illness
“The experience I have had is that once you start talking about [experiencing a mental health struggle], you realize that actually you’re part of quite a big club.”
I have decided to participate in One Foot Forward, a fundraising walk to raise money for mental health research, and this blog explains why…
The past few years have been a trying time for all of us–
Cancelled travel plans.
Indefinite isolation.
Lockdown after lockdown after lockdown.
Social distancing.
Working from home, not working at all.
Closed borders, grounded planes.
Family dinners, Sunday lunches, weddings, catch-ups with friends and first dates rescheduled more times than you can count.
Disrupted routines.
The constant uncertainty. We’ve all felt it, in one way or another.
I live in Melbourne, a vibrant city that I have always loved for its lively food scene and close proximity to the Yarra Valley. Yet, over the past year, Melbourne has faced ongoing lockdowns… Six, to be exact (and counting). And while my love for Melbourne hasn’t faded, as lockdown number five loomed over the city, I could feel my coping resources beginning to erode.
I’ve always been a fiercely independent and dynamic woman, resiliently taking life’s challenges in my stride. I’ve forged previous careers in the Australian wine industry and corporate world and built my own successful business as Olivia. Life tends to excite me rather than drain me. And those who know me, know that I’m never afraid of a challenge. Yet, over time, Melbourne’s lockdowns began to really impact me.
Perhaps it shouldn’t have surprised me – after all, how could one not be impacted by the constant uncertainty that the pandemic has thrown at us? It’s in our faces, all day, every day. You can’t sidestep it; you can’t walk away. It’s become part of our lives. And yet, I was surprised.
At first, I resisted asking for support from those around me. I consider myself an emotionally attuned and empathic woman. I am intuitively able to support others when they are having a difficult time. Yet, I found it challenging to extend this same compassion to myself. There was a part of me that thought I should be able to manage on my own. It felt as though reaching out for help would signal that I was no longer my independent, resilient self. But there was also another part of me, and this part recognised that sometimes asking for support is the strongest thing you can do. And so, I asked.
Over the past few months, I have been seeing a counsellor for online sessions. As I said, at first, I found asking for and accepting this support challenging. But over time, I have found it rejuvenating, revitalising, refreshing. I’ve felt my spark return. And more than ever, I know that I can make it through anything – true resilience.
This experience has highlighted to me that difficulties with mental health can affect even the most resilient and independent people. Mental illness does not discriminate. And asking for help does not diminish your strength; it demonstrates your strength.
With this in mind, I have decided to participate in One Foot Forward, a fundraising walk which is organised by the Black Dog Institute. The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit organisation that offers resources and support for those struggling with mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. They also conduct research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses.
The walk that I am participating in – One Foot Forward – will help to raise money for mental health research. I’ve always found walking a rejuvenating and energy-giving activity, which is just a bonus. My goal is to walk a total of 400kms and raise $10 per km for a total of $4000, and I would absolutely love your support.
Support my walk for mental health research
If you need urgent support, you can contact one of the following 24/7 counselling numbers:
Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14
MensLine Australia | 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636
“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.
”
I am Walking 400 KM’s and my goal is to raise $10 for every KM walked..
www.oliviawinsome.com
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, YOU ARE NOT THE RAIN.”
