David's Journey with Alcohol, Overdrive, a Breakdown & Discovering RTR Glasgow
It’s not always easy sharing your experiences with mental ill health, but Run Talk Run certainly makes it that bit easier. This week we are hearing from David who runs with Run Talk Run Glasgow…
David’s journey
The biggest negative impacts on my mental health have probably been:
My issues with alcohol over a long period of time.
Operating in a self-centred overdrive mode, thinking I need to be fitter, work harder, get more things done, pushing myself beyond limits.
Sustaining an injury preventing me from running for about a year.
When my wife and I separated and I moved out of the family home. (Thankfully, we have since reconciled and are back together)
My mother passing away unexpectedly.
A mental breakdown.
I was inspired to join Run Talk Run when…
My wife spotted a facebook post/ad from RTR Glasgow, which encouraged me to check out the website. I really liked what RTR was about, combining mental health support and running. Both these things were now important to me, so it sounded ideal. I got straight on the app, messaged my nearest RTR run leaders and was made very welcome to just turn up and try it out. I’ve been a regular ever since my first session.
What surprised me the most about RTR was…
The mix of age ranges was great, as being mid-40s, I did wonder if I would be one of the oldest and out of place, but it was not like that at all, young and older all present and welcome. There was also no pressure to talk about your mental health, people would discuss what they had been watching on Netflix, what they had been doing since last week, how their running was going etc. Knowing that I was amongst people who had their own mental health experiences was reassuring, so when I did talk about it, they got it, they listened and related.
Taking care of my mental health…
Through my post breakdown recovery, I learnt a lot about myself and became very self aware of my triggers and warning signs. For me, it’s all about balance to stay well and the hardest thing is to remind myself to slow down, when I start doing too much. Running, talking, connecting with others, trying to be more selfless and mindful, are all things that help me.
To anyone who is nervous about attending their first Run Talk Run/Walk Talk Walk session…
Try not to worry, there is no pressure to talk about anything you don’t want to, in fact, you don’t even need to talk at all if you are not in the mood, just turn up and enjoy the company and the exercise. There is also no pressure on pace or level of fitness, no one is ever left behind or on their own. Those that want to run a bit quicker do frequent loop backs to stay with the group and you will always find others happy to run/walk at your pace.