"Occupational Therapy Jogging group"

I have been involved with the run group on three separate occasions now and I can say that the run group has been an extremely positive and beneficial experience for me. The run group has given me the platform to challenge my issues, and also implement some of the stuff I have learned through psychology. 

I have went from being a participant to mentoring other participants in the run group and this has been a challenging but thoroughly worthwhile journey for me, as it has gave me a sense of self-worth and the idea that I am practically helping and supporting someone gives me great pleasure. And, at the same time it is also helping me by teaching me to be more assertive and giving me more confidence to handle my own issues.

Being a participant firstly helped me build the confidence to be outside again and be around people, and that then gave me the confidence to try the mentoring.

I couldn’t have did this without the supported environment I was afforded by the Occupational Therapy services and the staff involved, as they were always there to encourage me and were always sensitive to my needs and encouraged and supported me the whole way.

My story is a bit long-winded but a brief overview is that I have suffered with depression and anxiety for many years, with around ten of those years spent as a recluse where I would rarely leave the house. I spent a three year period where I hadn't left the house once.

But, through the help with the mental health services I have been able to progress significantly and they have provided me with the courage to challenge myself. Through the Occupational Therapy services I have been involved in projects such as the Adopt-a-Station project and the run group and I am currently involved in Branching Out. All of this has helped me challenge myself to the point where I have managed to cope with College for two and a half years, and now I am currently volunteering with the St. Andrews hospice warehouse. And, all of this has been supported with the Occupational Therapy services.

And, I wouldn't have been able to manage this without the help and support from the Occupational Therapy services.