Physical feat for mental health

A Karratha mental health advocate has taken on an epic challenge to raise awareness about the importance of movement and nature for mental wellbeing.

Move for Mental Health founder Kylianne Farrell took on a 100km ultra over three days involving a 62km paddleboard in Wellington Dam, Collie and a 40km-hike along the Wellington Spur Trail.

Ms Farrell said she did the trip because she saw the toll the challenges of 2020 had taken on mental wellbeing.

“Having supported many through the mental health crisis, I felt called to raise awareness by taking action for the incredibly important need for people to uncover and put in place protective strategies to build resilience against the challenges and adversities that we face on a daily basis,” she said.

“My hope is that my journey to 100km, can encourage, empower and educate those who need it most to start the road to recovery, that life can be lived to its fullest not just have to be survived. This is a story that can shine a light where someone may only be able to see darkness with the tools, skills and strategies I have learnt in my journey to better health after living with mental illness since a teenager.”

Ms Farrell faced gruelling conditions including rain and strong winds during her journey.

“I remembered I can endure some physical discomfort and pain for those who continue the mental battle day in and day out, because I know how unbearable that is. So I continued on, called on my tools, skills and strategies spoke to my coaches and made a plan to get it done,” she said.

“Just like planning and completing an expedition the journey to recovery from mental illness or to boosting mental wellbeing means finding support and professional help, it means trialling and testing tools and strategies that work for you, it takes finding and learning skills to pick you up when things get tough.”