On November 1st I'll be completing my toughest physical challenge yet.

In support of men's mental health and suicide prevention, I will complete 12 'Murph' workouts over 24 hours, totaling 38.4 km of running, 1,200 pull-ups, 2,400 push-ups, and 3,600 squats — all while wearing a 9 kg weight vest.

I was first diagnosed with depression at 14, and later with anorexia at 20. I used to say that both challenges have reoccurred at various points in my life since then—but I’ve come to realise it’s not a matter of them returning, because they never really went away. I’ve just found ways to better manage them, rather than letting them manage me.
It took me a very long time to open up, talk, and seek proper help when I needed it most. Seeking help has always been a challenge for me, but over the years I’ve realised that in order to help others, I need to be able to accept help when I need it too.

Talking about men’s mental health remains a stigma to this day. There are still too many conversations about “manning up” and putting on a brave face. The Movember Foundation is working hard to break this stigma and provide the right support when it’s needed most.