Jacob’s story

"Even when life feels overwhelming, it’s possible to keep moving forward and find your way through."

I was 14 when I was first diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Just before getting diagnosed, I was excluded from mainstream school and sent to a pupil referral unit (PRU). The diagnostic process for ADHD took a very long time. I was given stimulant medication by a psychiatrist, but very little help outside of that; I wish I’d been offered more support. However, it helped me get through my next school, and I made it all the way to university. I was studying physiotherapy, but stopped taking my medication and had no support. My mental health went downhill, and I dropped out.

My poor lifestyle choices at the time greatly contributed to this, as well as my development of an anxiety disorder. The feeling of panic and impending doom, without warning, made it hard to do things like go out, work, eat, and sleep. It was time and energy-consuming to have to deal with the frequent waves of panic and anxiety.

When I started experiencing daily panic attacks, I knew I needed help. I’d feel like I was about to have a sudden heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest. After a downward spiral, I felt I’d hit rock bottom. I decided that enough was enough.

I went to my GP. They offered a beta blocker alongside therapy. Though the therapy was very general, it was still beneficial to have more knowledge. However, my therapy sessions were cut short when I started working, and I was on my own again.

Despite being a happy, positive and optimistic person, I know what it’s like to go through mental health problems. I also recognise that the majority of people around me have dealt with mental health challenges at some point in their lives.

I wanted to pick a charity to fundraise for that could actually help people. I found Mental Health UK and can see the positive impact this charity has had. I decided to walk from London to Africa on foot for Mental Health UK.

I took this challenge on because I hope to inspire people. I was born into fairly good circumstances but drifted down the wrong path a few years ago, which almost caused me to throw everything away. I dug myself out of it; I’m living proof that you can hit rock bottom and still be successful.

This challenge brought up a mixture of different emotions. I felt mood swings, fatigue and homesickness. However, it wasn’t all bad. I was doing something great that most wouldn’t even attempt, and my friends, family and followers were showing me love and support.

Despite the pain, freezing cold nights, cramps and dehydration, I enjoyed proving that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Even when life feels overwhelming, it’s possible to keep moving forward and find your way through.

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Anxiety disorders      Panic disorder

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