Biggest Journey

“The longest journey begins with a single step.” It’s an old saying, and a true one. But imagine if taking that first step seemed completely, utterly impossible. That the only option you had was staying where you were, no matter how frightening, sad, lonely or miserable that place was. For people struggling with their mental health, taking that first step – getting help, telling someone, or even just admitting there’s a problem – can feel as impossible as flapping your arms and hoping to fly. Fear, shame, denial, or just the crushing inertia of depression or anxiety can trap you into hopelessness. Mental health problems are common; much more common than you think. If you think your life hasn’t been touched by mental ill-health – you’re wrong. Somewhere in your circle, there is a colleague, friend, or family member who has suffered with their mental health. They just haven’t wanted you to know. I want to reduce the stigma associated with mental ill-health. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health issue in their lives, I’m one of them. That’s why I’m undertaking my own biggest journey – riding my bike from Edinburgh to London with the support of the 4N networking group. Four days, four different networking events – four hundred miles. Journey starts: Leith, Edinburgh. 10am 19th June 2012