Running away from the Black Dog

In 2015, 569 New Zealanders took their own life. That's 48 people a month, 12 a week and almost 2 every day. I completed the Hamilton Half Marathon in the HOPE that we change this.

I started this journey six months ago and vowed to workout every day to improve my own mental well being so I could prove that consistent exercise will result it unconditional happiness. I also stopped drinking and eating fast food to help this cause. Life is not black and white and neither were my results. I can however say that it is very hard to walk away feeling depressed after almost killing yourself in the best way possible at the gym. So I came to the conclusion that exercise does significantly improve mental well being and this message should be spread further than Brad Pitt and Angelina's break up.

Despite this message existing, the sad fact is that people are taking their own lives everyday and this will continue indefinitely. Suicide is a taboo and awkward subject which every family affected encounters .

While you are facing your own grief you also are also faced with questions like 'Did you not see it coming?,' 'How did it actually happen?,'Was there really nothing you could have done?' Or the equally bad alternative where people feel so uncomfortable by the event they simple refuse to acknowledge it at all.

Tauranga Grief Support Services is a local volunteer agency working in the community alongside people feeling the affects of grief especially suicide and provide ongoing support groups and counselling. I found refuge in this organisation two years ago and I would love for anyone reading this to support them too. The goal is to get to five hundred dollars and I'll make the difference if we don't get there. Thanks for your time in reading this! Spread the word.

#runningawayfromtheblackdog

In loving memory of my Dad, for 99% percent of his life he was the happiest person I knew.