Adrian Brazier shares his journey

This week we are chatting to Adrian Brazier, this is his story...

I’ve been running for the past three years after starting off with a half marathon in Richmond in 2017. Since then I’ve ran numerous half marathons and 10k events as well as the London marathon. I’m due to run that again in October.

I run because as someone diagnosed with acute depression it has helped me connect to people and has created a safe environment for me to enjoy running and feel that much needed freedom and escapism from every day issues.

My depression had got to such a low point that around 20 years ago I attempted suicide and was taken to hospital. I don’t recall anything apart from waking up with a nurse by my bedside. Whilst I’ve had some very low points since then I have not attempted to take my own life but had managed on a mixture of medication and therapy.

I found that therapy for me did not work and tried running instead, I needed a focus and whilst training for my first half marathon things took off for me. I feel such a high and lift when running, I’m prepared for the bad days in running which do happen but above all the runners high is far better than all the medication and therapy. I’ve made friends for life, the running community is amazing and so supportive.

I recently ran 200 miles in May for mind and to help raise awareness and money for such a great cause. It feels such a privilege to do these little things, but they all make a difference.

I had seen some posts about runtalkrun and felt inspired to contribute to try and help others with mental health issues. I feel that I’m not alone when I see others such as RTR who have similar experiences as me. This gives me confidence. 

I would encourage anyone to talk to RTR this is a way of being able to talk without judgement or fear of feeling silly and selfish which are often feelings felt by people with MH issues.