Frazer goes on run to overcome breakdown
A SHOP manager has told how running has helped him overcome mental health problems as he prepares to tackle tomorrow’s (Sunday) London Marathon.
Frazer Campbell, who is assistant boss at Currys PC World Carphone Warehouse, on Dane Street, is running to raise awareness The Royal Foundation’s ‘Heads Together’ campaign. The 24-year-old, who lives in Manchester, said: “I would describe myself as a normal lad who enjoys socialising with my friends and family, but in 2015 I began struggling to cope with life’s everyday bumps, until I began talking about it and ultimately found solace in running.
“Two years ago I suffered a breakdown.
“There was no single cause for it, but I remember finding it very difficult to talk about how I was feeling.
I tried to ‘shake myself off’ and ‘get on with things,’ but this time I just couldn’t.
“My friend suggested that I seek support from professionals. This decision changed my life.”
It wasn’t easy for me to accept that I needed help but the people around me had begun to notice a change in my behaviour and my attitude to life. It was putting a strain on my friends and family, as well as putting everything that was important to me in jeopardy, so a friend suggested that I seek support from a professional.
It was tough and took courage to overlook the stigma, but I contacted a helpline and was referred for some counselling.
“This decision changed my life.
“It doesn’t matter how strong you are, or if you laugh things off. I believe that sometimes you just need to talk about your issues. And that’s okay.”