Marathon struggle to overcome the taboo of mental illness
Aug 16 2010 By Dan Hodges
When a close university friend took his own life after suffering from long-term mental illness, Lauren Mitchell felt helpless.
The 27-year-old from Hammersmith had some previous understanding of mental health issues through her mother, who has bipolar disorder, but the shock of her friend's suicide drove Lauren to explore news ways of helping those who often find little in the way of support.
Now she is in training to take part in a half marathon, joining a team of 10 runners from Hammersmith and Fulham who will run through London's royal parks for the charity MIND on World Mental Health Day – held this year on the 10th day of the 10th month, 2010.
"My friend had some serious mental health problems for about five years before he died," said Lauren, of Ravenscourt Avenue. "As a group of friends we felt a bit helpless – we didn't know to do or who to talk to.
"But since it happened I've found out a lot more about MIND and the support they offer.
"If you have a broken leg or a really serious physical illness like cancer, people aren't afraid to talk about it, but my friend wasn't able to do that. Perhaps if it was more talked about, and more accepted, then it wouldn't have been such a burden."
Posting positive messages on social networking sites Facebook is one way in which people can show their support, said Lauren – particularly those who might be less comfortable speaking on the phone.
"Ringing people up to talk isn't for everyone," she said. "It's about having different levels of support."
Lauren managed to raise just under £1,000 in her first marathon last year, and is hoping to beat that total this time round – starting with sponsorship from colleagues in her office at Espresso Education in Shepherd's Bush Road.
"I was surprised because in a small office, dozens of people have been through something similar with their family members or friends,2 said Lauren. "It's not really a light-hearted topic of conversation, and it's only if something like this comes up that you realise the extent of mental illness."
The Hammersmith and Fulham team is currently seven-strong, with three spaces left to fill before the August 27 deadline. MIND organisers are hoping to recruit 10 people from every London borough, to raise cash for its work improving the lives of people with mental distress.
To sign up for the event visit the MIND website, or to help Lauren beat her target visit her Just Giving page.
