Having been on her own mental health journey over the years, Dundee woman Louise Todd is determined no one should have to suffer in silence alone.
That’s why Louise, 38, has set up running group, Run for Release – to ensure Dundonians have a place to go and escape or chat if they’re struggling.
The group meets at 11am every Saturday at Camperdown Park and is open to those who need mental health support, their partners, family and friends.
‘There’s still a bit of a stigma’
Louise is no stranger to mental health issues, having experienced her own issues including depression from a young age.
She explains: “My mental health is something that has gone back and forth over the years.
“It’s a battle I’ve struggled with and have tried to sort it out myself. But unless you seek professional help, it doesn’t really go away on its own.
“I want people to understand it more, to speak about it, to feel comfortable admitting you’re not feeling great today and not suffering with it alone.
“I think people still don’t really understand it and there’s still a bit of a stigma sometimes. People think you’re just having a bad day or you’re feeling a bit down.
“But it’s not an easy fix. You can’t just wake up one morning and think ‘I’m going to be positive today’.
“One of the worst things someone can say to someone with mental health issues is to stay positive, because trying to find positivity through some of your really low moments is extremely difficult.”
‘When I go out running, my mind is clear’
Though her mental health has been up and down over the years, running is something that has always helped Louise and she wants to show others the power it can have.
She continues: “I started running about 10 years ago. I was never really a sporty person at school, but I found running to be a real release.
“Whenever anything was on my mind or I was stressed, when I’d go out running things became a bit clearer in my own head.
“Before the pandemic, I started doing half marathons and I loved it. I used to do them on my own for fun because I really enjoyed the release it gave me.
“When I run, I don’t really think about anything. One of the main things when you’re struggling with your mental health is your mind is so full.
“When I go out running, my mind is clear. All I can see is the path ahead, I’ve got my music on and I’m not thinking of anything. It’s a huge release.
“That’s what I love about it, it takes me away from everything that’s racing around in my mind.
“It just gives you that chance to re-evaluate what’s going on in your head and think about things rationally.”
Family support
By setting up the running group, Louise hopes to help those who are struggling with their mental health, as well as their loved ones.
Louise says: “My partner, Andrew, is very supportive, but I think he sometimes struggles with how I am with my mental health.
“It’s important to have people there to support family members. Partners, family and friends suffer as well because they often feel helpless.
“A lot of partners and family members will feel lonely, so I felt it’s good to open the group up to everyone.”
‘I’m no Mo Farah!’
Whether you’re an experienced runner, or want to take the first steps with the group, everyone is welcome at Run for Release.
Louise says: “You’re under no pressure to speak about anything. It’s about connecting with people who know what you’re going through and starting new friendships.
“I’m no Mo Farah – I can jog and that’s about it! I’m just trying to pass on my own experiences to try and help other people.
“A lot of people might think ‘I can’t run’ or ‘I’ve never jogged before’, but it doesn’t matter. If you want to walk, I will walk with you.”
Conversation