How RUNNING Helped My Depression (Mark West)

My guest this week, Mark West says he believes that  we “all have a runner in us”. Mark is a long distance runner and mental health advocate who is using his platform to not only encourage everyone to adapt a running routine into their life but do so to improve their mental health. Today we learn about a tragic accident that sparked Mark’s passion for running and how fitness was later used to help him when he started struggling with depression and anxiety.  We talk about the metaphor that running represents in mental health, allowing us to literally (and figuratively) put “one foot in front of the other” and view the “hills” in our lives as opportunities for growth. We also talk about what it has been like to be a high achieving male and be so vocal about his mental health when the stigma around men and mental illness is very real.  Mark also shares a POWERFUL insight on why walking and running might be a better option to talk to people who are struggling than “going for a coffee”. He shares about how this journey has opened his eyes to the importance of empathy and the need for us to discover “what works for us”. This was such a profound episode with many insights about mental health and opens the conversation about the variety of ways that we can find healing. However we want to hear from YOU! Do you use running or fitness as a way to cope with your mental health struggles? Find us on Facebook (Hope to Recharge) and let us know! Because as always...together is BETTER!   Connect with Mark: https://www.instagram.com/run4mh/ --   Today's episode of Hope to Recharge is sponsored by https://Betterhelp.com/hopetorecharge.    Betterhelp.com is the world’s leading provider of online therapy. Their mission is to make professional counseling accessible, affordable, and convenient, so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help, anytime, anywhere. Head to https://Betterhelp.com/hopetorecharge for 10% off your first month of services. IMPORTANT: Be sure to click this link in order to get the10% off code -- Interested in joining our monthly Mastermind?  Find out more info here! www.hopetorecharge.com/Mastermind --   Resources mentioned:  Run Talk Run: https://www.runtalkrun.com/   -- Topics Discussed: Why he believes “there is a runner” in everyone How mental health has “enriched his life” Developing healthy boundaries and learning to say “no” -- Suicide Hotlines: USA: 1-800-273-8255 USA Crisis Text: 741-741Canada: 1-833-456-4566 United Kingdom: 116-123 Australia: 13-11-14 International Suicide Hotlines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines -- Connect with us! Website: https://hopetorecharge.com/ Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2079694042156503/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matanajacobs/ --   WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-to-recharge/id1464788845 ————————————————————————— Spread the word via social media.   It costs nothing. Our website is https://hopetorecharge.com/ our FB is https://www.facebook.com/groups/2079694042156503/ and our Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/matanajacobs/ -------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to us on: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-to-recharge/id1464788845 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00AIhRZOxKNOvenz32gGeK Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/heather-parady-2/hope-to-recharge Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_DkYMcco7pSrkKk6wU5p7w Google: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Izxlwulashxr3n6trjrxpjpgwce Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hope-to-recharge/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy