WITH Mental Health Awareness Week upon us, throughout the month of May The Gazette is encouraging residents to break the stigma of mental health by talking more.

Each week, we are hoping to hear stories from people who have battled with mental illness and what support is available to those who struggle to open up about what they are going through, with our Talk About It campaign.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 8 to May 14, where the theme focuses on ‘surviving to thriving’. Increasing numbers of people have accepted that experiencing high levels of anxiety, stress and depression are the price they pay for keeping their lives on track.

But here at The Gazette, we want to get more people talking about their mental health and turning it into a positive.

One such person is Sophie Bedford, who is setting out on a 24-hour trek across the Lake District to raise money for Solent Mind.

Mrs Bedford herself suffered from depression and anxiety for many years, and also had severe post-natal depression following the birth of her son.

However, now the 35-year-old said speaking up is one of the most difficult things to do, but it has really helped her.

She said: “There was a point when I realised that I wanted to not be here more than I want to be here. I just buried the thoughts because I felt I just had to deal with these things.”

Mrs Bedford, from Bishopswood, Tadley, has found the particular stresses of working in the veterinary industry can cause people stress-related issues, and working in a 24- hour industry as a principal nurse for Vets Now, in Reading, she thought the Lake District challenge was very symbolic.

“I wanted to do something which reflected the type of work me and my colleagues do,” she added.

“Some people do marathons, sponsored bike rides. But for me the idea of just putting one foot in front of the other was symbolic of what people who struggle with their mental health go through on a daily basis.”

Solent Mind, is a registered charity providing a wide range of high-quality services to support people with mental health problems across the Southern Region.

To support Mrs Bedford on her mission on June 24, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ RVNMINDTrek. If you have been affected by mental health or have a story to tell get in touch with us . E-mail newsdesk@ basingstokegazette.co.uk.