One Foot Forward

walking to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute

As October is mental health month, and I am currently in the midst of a mental health crisis, I’m taking part in One Foot Forward to raise funds and awareness for the Black Dog Institute. I pledge to walk 40km over the month of October.

The Black Dog Institute is a medical research institute that works to turn research into real world solutions for the 1 in 5 Australians who experience symptoms of mental illness each year. They aim to provide treatment, education, and services for those in need, improve our mental health, and prevent suicide. As someone who has been battling mental illness their entire life, this is a cause so very close to my heart.

Now, I know 40km in a month might not seem like much. However, for someone like me who struggles to get out of bed during a flare up, both due to my mental health and chronic physical illness, it feels like a stretch! I also know that exercise is such an important part of therapy, so taking part in this challenge will be really good for me. I know there will be some days I’m unable to move the needle, but I’ll be sure to make it up by the end of October.

Before I even took my first steps today, I’d raised $719 which is MIND BLOWING to me! My initial goal was $300 so I am beyond thankful to everyone who has donated, spread the word, or cheered me on.

Where I’m at on day one!

I want to keep a daily log of my progress as I think it will be good for me to reflect on how I’m doing mentally and physically, but I will not be posting every day about it! I think I’ll make a weekly post that I share with you all. I don’t know what that will look like yet, but I’m about to go and write about day one (today).