How running has boosted my mental health: Sami’s story

"When I run, I'm safe and I'm in control" 

“I’ve struggled with my mental health in the past, I've been suicidal, had anxiety and an eating disorder.

“My therapist recommended The Running Charity, an organisation that has made a big, and positive, difference to me.” 

Sami spoke about running giving him a sense of control, helping him establish positive coping mechanisms and building his confidence over time. 

“I’d take part in one-on-one running sessions at first. Someone would pick me up and take me for a run, it’s hard to say no or stay in bed on a rainy day when someone is waiting outside for you!

"I can do this, I’m good at it, and I can finish it" 

“It’s nice when you know you can do something and that you can finish a task (like a run). This sense of achievement has benefitted me, I think it’s helped me established positive ways to express my emotions.

“I think setting goals are important, and you can see the progress you make over time. I started slow and used to run from bench to bench and be so out of breath, but now I’m about to run my second marathon!” 

"It’s not about going for a run, it’s whatever movement you enjoy" 

Sami was keen to emphasise that running wasn’t the only option, and that we can benefit from all sorts of movement, big and small.  

“I think it’s about finding some form of movement you enjoy and sticking to it. You’ll see the results, even if just over time. Making progress as you go along can make a big difference." 

Our survey found more than 3 in 10 young people said they were too busy with work or study to exercise, with 35% of young people compared to 22% for the rest of the population.

Sami spoke about the pressures academic and employment pressures facing young people in the UK, and additional pressures that come with being an asylum seeker here.

“If, you’re like me, and seeking asylum in the UK, you can’t work in paid employment, but I keep myself busy, I have lots of voluntary roles and even a role at the University.

"I think movement, and running, help make me express my emotions and my worries. I’ve learnt to use running as a way of coping and processing.  

“I think cost can be a barrier to exercise, for young people, people seeking sanctuary, and lots of others too.

“I remember hating PE at school, I would not want people to see me getting changed and I'd keep my PE kit on underneath my school outfit. I’d be conscious of my trainers, which were old compared to my classmates."

Sami spoke about the low cost that makes running so appealing. He spoke about gyms and exercise classes being unaffordable, and that running can usually take place wherever you are, at whatever time. 

“Gym memberships are expensive  but running is free! I can run whenever and wherever, even at 3am, if I want to."

Find something you want to do

 Sami spoke about finding the sport or movement that is right for you, emphasising that it doesn’t have to be running.  

“It could be hockey, football, skating, swimming, walking, any sort of movement, dance, I dunno, anything! Just go for it, and do it!”

Set targets and track your progress

“I try not to benchmark against other people, but against the goals I want to accomplish. I’ve gone from bench to bench, to park run, to running lots by myself and with a community, now I'm about to run my second marathon, and I'm doing the Edinburgh marathon this year.

Remember, movement can take many forms and you can start slow, just slowly build up, small steps!”