21 half-marathons in 21 days to help others
“I’m putting my body on the line to demonstrate to people that the pain I’m going to go through is much better than what people with mental illness go through."
When Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) runner Matthew Westner found himself in the worst depths of depression and anxiety, he put on his running shoes and hit the open road.
It was the beginning of his journey towards recovery from mental illness and the 31-year old was literally running for his life.
The Rynfield resident shared how putting on his running shoes helped him find his way through the darkness.
“I lost my father to suicide. He was the one person who supported me in my life. I was depressed and had anxiety. Exercising pulled me through that period. Running saved my life. It gave me purpose,” he said.
Saddened by the stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness, Westner will run 21 half-marathons in 21 consecutive days for mental health awareness and to raise funds for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), from December 1 to 21.
“I’m putting my body on the line to demonstrate to people that the pain I’m going to go through is much better than what people with mental illness go through. If I can change one person’s life, that’s a success.
“I want to show people that our community still cares, especially now around the festive season where some are going to celebrate while others won’t have anyone to celebrate with,” Westner said.
He stated he realised we often avoid hard mental health conversations and that those dealing with mental illness disorders sometimes delay seeking treatment due to marginalisation.
“We often put on a façade and think we are immune to the hardships of life. We put on a mask in public to hide our internal battles.
“A mental illness is something that’s out of your control. You have uncontrolled thoughts. Your mind is working against you. It’s an internal battle against yourself. It’s a cascade that can lead you to an unhealthy lifestyle,” he said.
Westner’s challenge coincides with the BNAC’s 10×10 challenge where the club’s members run 10km for 10 consecutive days, from November 30 to December 9, to raise funds for the Benoni Child Welfare.
He will incorporate some of his runs into the Northerns challenge, running the first 10km with the club and then after the pitstop head out for the last 11km.
He encouraged those battling with mental illness to contact SADAG on 0800 567 567.
To donate towards Westner’s mental health cause, go to https://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1896&Itemid=140&fbclid=PAAaYOtQFDcdcB6sfh3qmTMNi1VSAxQoet6U85n6UAS0bxQieS6fZ-T07YKTo_aem_ATLskOnIfwyjzOyudbg-VKyACHZGU9hYNJVrVnKHOonBDEKaUJgfs2sZHPUx_ZVcj0E
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